Battle Lines
Trump edition: Blowing up the global economy to take on China
Apr 11, 2025
Sophia Yan, a senior foreign correspondent for The Telegraph with deep insights into China's political landscape, joins Kelly Ann Shaw, a former senior trade advisor to President Trump. They discuss the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and the evolution of Trump's trade war. Yan provides on-the-ground perspectives from her time in Beijing, while Shaw explains the strategic decisions made during Trump's presidency. They address whether Xi Jinping is open to negotiations amidst escalating economic stakes and the broader implications for global trade.
42:16
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Quick takeaways
- The U.S.-China trade war has escalated rapidly, with tariffs now reaching as high as 125%, reflecting deep distrust between the nations.
- China is attempting to reshape its international image by positioning itself as a defender of global trade amid rising U.S. tariffs.
Deep dives
Escalation of U.S.-China Trade Tensions
The recent actions taken by the U.S. government highlight a significant escalation in the ongoing trade tensions with China. Initial tariff increases against China have quickly risen to 125%, following retaliatory moves from Beijing imposing its own tariffs on U.S. goods at an 84% level. This aggressive tactic illustrates a strategy aimed at asserting dominance and discouraging any similar retaliatory actions from other nations. The underlying message communicated through these escalations is a warning to other countries to engage in dialogue rather than retaliation.
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