China’s New Game Plan for Dealing With Trump Tariffs
Feb 11, 2025
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Shuli Ren, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist with expertise in China's economy, dives into the evolving trade landscape between the U.S. and China. He discusses China's muted response to Trump's tariffs and how its current economic challenges influence negotiation dynamics. Ren also highlights China’s strategic maneuvers for damage control amidst pressure and the unpredictable nature of U.S. tariff policies. The conversation provides insights into the potential for renewed trade negotiations and the broader implications for both nations as tensions rise.
China's muted response to Trump's tariffs reflects its economic fragility and the need for a cautious approach to trade.
The evolving trade tensions signify a fundamental shift in U.S. policy aimed at reshaping global trade dynamics beyond just targeting China.
Deep dives
Evolution of Trade War Strategies
The latest trade tensions between the U.S. and China mark a significant evolution in strategy compared to previous conflicts. While the first trade war involved a series of escalating tariffs, the current approach is characterized by a broader ambition to rebalance trade across multiple partners rather than just targeting China. President Trump aims to revive U.S. manufacturing while asserting pressure through tariffs that have escalated quickly. This marks a fundamental shift in the rhetoric and execution of trade policy, suggesting a more aggressive and widespread attempt to reshape global trade dynamics.
China's Economic Vulnerability
China's position in the current trade war is notably weaker due to its economic fragility and a shift in consumer behavior since the last conflict in 2018. The reliance on exports has increased as domestic consumption has dropped significantly, making the economy more vulnerable to foreign pressures. The muted response from China, contrasting its previous aggressive tactics, indicates a cautious approach, possibly to avoid exacerbating its economic challenges. The emphasis now is on damage limitation as China attempts to navigate the complexities of international trade while managing its internal economic issues.
Potential Global Implications
The unfolding trade war may have far-reaching implications for international relations and the global economy. As the U.S. adopts more aggressive measures, there is potential for China to seek new alliances and opportunities, particularly if it perceives a fracture in U.S. relationships with other nations. Additionally, the unpredictability of Trump's tactics could allow for shifts in strategy, where countries like China might adopt more measured responses to mitigate the impact of tariffs. This dynamic could reshape not only trade policies but also global geopolitical relationships moving forward.
As US President Donald Trump imposes new tariffs on China, Xi Jinping's government has had a far more muted response than it did during the trade war in Trump’s first term.
On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha is joined by Bloomberg editor Jenni Marsh and Bloomberg Opinion columnist Shuli Ren to unpack China’s response to Trump’s barrage of tariffs and discuss what’s at risk for both countries if they find themselves in another trade war.