The New Statesman | UK politics and culture
This isn't China's first rodeo (or trade war)
Apr 23, 2025
Rana Mitter, a prominent historian of China from Harvard, teams up with Kevin Xu, founder of a bilingual newsletter on tech and geopolitics. They delve into how trade wars echo China's tumultuous past, tying modern tensions with historical events like the opium wars. The conversation highlights the lasting effects of unequal treaties, China's evolving nationalism, and the economic decoupling between the US and China. They also discuss the challenges facing China's economy and the importance of understanding these historical narratives in shaping future relations.
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Quick takeaways
- China's historical narrative, shaped by the Opium Wars, continues to influence its modern trade relations and perceptions of foreign intervention.
- The current trade war has led to significant economic strain on both China and the U.S., affecting consumer prices and business operations globally.
Deep dives
The Historical Context of Trade Relations
The 19th-century Opium Wars marked a significant turning point in China's historical narrative, setting the stage for its modern trade relations. British forces imposed trade terms that favored imperial interests, highlighting a legacy of exploitation and ‘unequal treaties’ that resonate in contemporary Chinese consciousness. This period is often referred to as the 'century of humiliation' by the Chinese, symbolizing foreign intervention and loss of sovereignty. The repercussions of this historical backdrop inform current attitudes in China towards foreign powers and trade negotiations.
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