Decoding China's countermeasures in response to US tariffs
Feb 4, 2025
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Liu Zhiqing, a Senior Fellow at Renmin University, sheds light on China's countermeasures to US tariffs, including new tariffs and export controls. Kamal Makili Aliev examines why EU nations are ramping up defense spending amid geopolitical tensions. Gao Shirei discusses the significance of Pakistan's cooperation with China during President Zardari's state visit, focusing on economic ties and counterterrorism. Yang Liang highlights the Eurozone's stagnation, detailing economic contractions in Germany and France and the need for strategic investment.
China is implementing retaliatory tariffs and export controls as a strategic response to U.S. trade policies, emphasizing industrial goods to minimize consumer impact.
The European Union is significantly increasing defense spending driven by security concerns, highlighting the need for a stronger military capability amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Deep dives
China's Counter Tariffs on U.S. Products
China has announced a series of tariffs on American products ranging from 10% to 15%, marking a retaliatory move against similar tariffs imposed by the United States. These tariffs include a 15% tax on coal and natural gas imports, as well as a 10% levy on petroleum, agricultural equipment, high-emission vehicles, and pickup trucks. The Chinese government has stated that these unilateral tariffs from the U.S. violate World Trade Organization rules, prompting their response. The focus of China's tariffs appears to be on industrial goods rather than consumer products, suggesting a careful approach to mitigate impact on American consumers.
New Export Controls and Investigations
In addition to tariffs, China is implementing export controls on crucial minerals used in industrial and defense applications, which it views as necessary for its national security. This measure reflects China's ongoing struggle against U.S. sanctions, particularly in technology sectors such as chip manufacturing. Furthermore, an anti-monopoly investigation into Google signals China's growing scrutiny of foreign tech firms, aligning with global trends of increased regulatory oversight. These steps are perceived as both a defensive and retaliatory strategy in light of heightened tensions with the U.S.
EU's Enhanced Defense Spending
European Union leaders have committed to increasing defense spending amid concerns over security, highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and previous U.S. pressure. In recent years, EU nations have increased defense budgets significantly, reaching an average of 1.9% of GDP, which reflects a 30% rise from previous data. The European Council President stated the need for a stronger defense industrial base, acknowledging years of underinvestment. However, uncertainties remain regarding how this expenditure will be financed, particularly during a time of economic stagnation and political turmoil within member states.
Pakistan's Economic and Security Cooperation with China
During a state visit to China, Pakistan's President is focusing on strengthening economic cooperation and security collaboration, with an emphasis on projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). High-level exchanges between the two nations highlight a deepening strategic partnership, tackling economic challenges and regional security threats. Notably, the second phase of CPEC aims at establishing special economic zones and promoting industries, even as security risks threaten ongoing projects. Ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel and fostering a conducive investment environment remain critical to their cooperative framework moving forward.
① China has announced a slew of measures to counter US tariffs, including additional tariffs of 10% or 15% on some US products, export controls on key minerals and an anti-monopoly investigation into Google. We explore the logic of these countermeasures. (00:50)
② European Union leaders have agreed to do more to bolster their defenses by hiking spending and filling gaps in their military capabilities. What is prompting European countries to do so? (14:56)
③ Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is on a five-day state visit to China. We take a look at two issues that top his agenda: economic cooperation and counterterrorism. (24:56)
④ Eurozone unexpectedly stagnates as German and French economies contract. (34:01)
⑤ What’s at stake when US President Donald Trump wants to create a sovereign wealth fund? (44:36)
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