Discover how Trump's tariffs and China's strategy are reshaping the global economy and geopolitical alliances.
Donald Trump's recent decisions regarding tariffs on chinese products generated a new chapter in the trade dispute between the United States and China, with implications not only for the economies of these two countries, but for the global geopolitical scenario.
The increase in tariffs, which affect a wide range of Chinese products, reflects the continuation of an aggressive “America First” policy adopted by the US president, the effects of which are being widely analyzed by experts.
China's response: 10% tariff and challenges to the global economy
Trump's announcement, imposing a 10% extra fee on all Chinese products, provoked immediate and varied reactions in different parts of the world.
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Although China was slow to respond, its reaction was clear: new tariffs of 15% on US coal and natural gas, plus 10% on other products such as crude oil, farm machinery and pickup trucks.
Additionally, Beijing has launched an anti-monopoly investigation into Google and included several US companies, including Calvin Klein, on its list of “untrustworthy” entities.
Beijing's initial response was more measured compared to more intense reactions from countries like Canada and Mexico.
While these nations immediately imposed tariffs on U.S. goods, with the Canada By announcing a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of American goods, China has opted for a more cautious approach.
This stance reveals a long-term strategy based on the diversification of commercial partnerships and the strengthening of relations with other regions of the world, such as Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.
The impact of tariffs and Beijing's strategy
Unlike a decade ago, when China's economy was heavily dependent on the United States, Beijing is now the largest trading partner of more than 120 countries. That strengthens its position in a climate where Trump's tariffs are viewed with caution.
A China, for its part, appears to believe it can withstand the 10% pressure on tariffs without significantly compromising its economic growth.
Experts such as Chong Ja Ian of the Carnegie China Center for Studies believe China has taken a strategic approach, not responding immediately to the tariffs but maintaining a firm stance.
For Beijing, this situation could be yet another opportunity to cement itself as a global leader, especially when the United States appears, under Trump, increasingly isolated on the international stage.
“If it’s not a big problem, there’s no reason to pick a fight with the Trump administration,” Ian said, suggesting that China’s calm may reflect a careful analysis of the situation.
Chinese Diplomacy: Global Leadership and Partnership Opportunities
Xi Jinping, President of China, has demonstrated a growing ambition to lead a new world order, something that is reflected in Beijing's diplomatic actions in recent years.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, China has stepped up its presence on the international stage, especially in organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), where, following the US withdrawal under Trump, Beijing has stepped in to fill the void left by the Western superpower.
In addition, China has been reaching out to countries around the world, especially those in Africa and Latin America, establishing trade agreements and promoting a “win-win globalization” policy.
The combination of Trump’s tariffs, foreign aid freeze and US withdrawal from international bodies plays into the Chinese narrative that Beijing can be a reliable, stable and forward-looking alternative.
Yun Sun of the Stimson Centre notes that policies Trump “America First” policies not only weaken the US’s position as a global leader, but also benefit China.
“A deterioration in US leadership and credibility will certainly benefit China as it is positioning itself as a stable and reliable global force, especially in contrast to the uncertainty Trump has generated,” Sun said.
Possible consequences: Reactions in the Pacific and beyond
China's rise as a global power has generated a series of reactions in the Pacific.
Countries such as Japan, South Korea and Australia are closely watching Beijing's moves, especially regarding the South China Sea, where China has shown increasing assertiveness, in addition to tensions involving Taiwan.
In response, these countries are increasingly inclined to form trilateral alliances, which could lead to the formation of a new bloc in the Pacific, focused on containing Chinese influence.
However, growing insecurity over Trump's foreign policy, which threatens allies such as Canada and the European Union, could force those countries to reassess their relations with Washington.
Changing geopolitical dynamics and the growing presence of China as an attractive commercial alternative could reshape international alliances.
Trump's Challenge and the Future of Tariffs
The future of Trump's tariffs and their implications for China are still uncertain.
The Chinese government has shown resilience, but also a diplomatic skill that aims to consolidate its position on the global stage, taking advantage of the Trump administration's failures to reinforce its image of stable and reliable leadership.
For the US, continuing this policy could result in further internal divisions and a weakening of its global position.
Meanwhile, China, far from being intimidated by these tariffs, may take advantage of the instability created by the Trump administration to expand its influence on the world stage.
The dispute between the two largest economies on the planet is far from being resolved, but its implications go far beyond the trade war, affecting foreign policy and international alliances in a profound and lasting way.