The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: How Trump Forced China’s Hand
Nov 3, 2025
Victor Davis Hanson unveils how Trump's recent negotiations have put China in a historically weak position. He highlights a pivotal deal, including China's commitment to halt fentanyl shipments to Mexico, which could save countless lives. The discussion also covers the reasons behind China's sudden willingness to negotiate, touching on perceived U.S. strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, Hanson examines the impact of global alliances and domestic policy shifts that have pressured China to pivot strategically. It's a captivating analysis of modern U.S.-China relations.
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China's Fentanyl Pledge Could Save Lives
- Victor Davis Hanson says China promised to stop sending raw fentanyl to Mexico, which could reduce U.S. overdose deaths significantly.
- He argues stopping this flow would save more American lives than nearly any historical act of policy.
Tariffs Stay High; Rare Earths Are Short-Term Win
- Hanson notes tariffs remain high, around 37–47 percent, so trade leverage persists despite criticism.
- He adds China will lift rare-earth restrictions but Western mining will render that short-term.
Enforce The Fentanyl Commitment Now
- Enforce the fentanyl agreement vigorously to reduce 70,000 U.S. deaths annually from the drug.
- Prioritize stopping raw shipments and money-laundering ties with cartels to measure success quickly.