The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: Trump Scared China Into Playing ‘Nice’ With the US Again
Nov 6, 2025
Victor Davis Hanson discusses how the U.S. and China reached a surprising trade agreement, featuring key Chinese concessions like increased soybean purchases. He explores why China shifted from hostility to negotiation, suggesting Trump's assertive policies exposed their vulnerabilities. The conversation touches on China's tactics in technology transfer, their role in the fentanyl crisis, and the consequences of domestic divisions in the U.S. Ultimately, Hanson argues that renewed American strength has changed China's approach, signaling a potential resurgence.
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Trade Pressure Produced Concessions
- Victor Davis Hanson argues Trump's tariffs exposed China's unfair trade practices and forced concessions.
- China agreed to buy U.S. soybeans and ease rare-earth export limits after negotiations with Trump.
China Favored Undermining U.S. Meritocracy
- Hanson claims China benefited from U.S. weakening of meritocracy and promoted DEI to undermine American competence.
- He links China's historical cultural revolution tactics to its appreciation for anti-meritocratic trends in the West.
Fentanyl Supply As Strategic Harm
- Hanson asserts China supplied fentanyl precursors that contributed to massive U.S. overdose deaths.
- He links those shipments to a broader pattern of Chinese actions harming American society.