The Inside Story Podcast What tactics did China and the US use in their trade war?
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Oct 31, 2025 Andy Mok, a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, Neil Thomas, a fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute, and William Lee, chief economist at the Milken Institute, delve into the tactics of the U.S.-China trade war. They discuss China's ambitious long-term goals and the implications of recent concessions. The trio debates whether the U.S. is retreating or just pragmatically de-escalating, while exploring the precarious nature of the truce and the potential roadblocks posed by Taiwan and security issues.
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China's Long-Term Strategic Aim
- Andy Mok says China's main aim is long-term development and global rejuvenation by 2049 with a 2035 milestone.
- He argues China acted to protect its rights and forced the U.S. to back down from aggressive moves.
U.S. Sees Engagement, Not Containment
- William Lee says U.S. policy frames China as a threat but U.S. interest has been to supply technologies and services to help China modernize.
- He disputes Beijing's narrative that the U.S. seeks to contain China outright.
A Temporary, Non-Binding Truce
- Neil Thomas calls the South Korea meeting a non-binding truce, far from a lasting armistice between the U.S. and China.
- He frames it as temporary détente, likely punctured by future disputes.