China Disputes US Trade Flare-Up, Attributes Shift to Trump‘s Rhetoric
BEIJING – Chinese analysts are asserting that a recent uptick in trade tensions isn’t a result of Beijing’s actions, but rather a consequence of altered messaging from former President Donald Trump. The shift comes after Trump, in a Sunday post on Truth Social, expressed a desire to “help China, not hurt it,” and claimed, “Don’t worry about China, it will be all fine!” – statements markedly different from his previously hawkish stance.
The exchange underscores a potential power dynamic shift in US-China relations as the US heads toward a possible government shutdown and Trump eyes a return to the White house. Experts suggest China has been strategically preparing for a second Trump governance, analyzing his negotiating tactics and identifying perceived american vulnerabilities. This planning, coupled with China’s dominance in critical mineral supply chains like rare earths, positions Beijing to potentially dictate terms of engagement.
International relations scholar Wang Yiwei of Renmin University stated that China is “fully prepared – understanding his ‘art of the deal,’ his tactics, and where America’s weaknesses lie.” Wang added, “Right now, I think it’s the US that’s getting anxious - not China,” pointing to domestic pressures facing trump, including the possibility of a prolonged government shutdown despite republican control of both the executive and legislative branches.
China’s confidence stems, in part, from its control over rare earth minerals, a vital component in numerous US technologies. Wang argues this dependence will persist “at least in the short term,” and delivered a message to the US: “be realistic – it’s better to cooperate with China.” The evolving rhetoric and strategic positioning suggest a complex interplay between the two nations, with China seemingly anticipating and preparing for a potentially different approach from a future Trump administration.
