Chinas Quiet While Trump Adds More Tariffs – But It May Have a Bigger Plan
China is not showing much anger after U.S. President Donald Trump decided to add an extra 10% tax (tariff) on all Chinese products. While Canada and Mexico quickly announced their own taxes on U.S. goods to fight back, China has remained calm – at least for now. According to BBC, this is very different from 2018 when China immediately responded to Trump’s tariffs by saying it was “not afraid of a trade war.”
Trump has agreed to pause a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico after speaking with their leaders, but he has not done the same for China. However, instead of getting into a direct fight, China has chosen a more careful approach. BBC reports that Beijing has simply asked the U.S. to “meet China halfway” and start discussions instead of escalating tensions.
Even though this new tariff will affect China’s economy, things are different from before. BBC explains that China is no longer as dependent on the U.S. as it was in the past. China has built strong trade connections with many countries across Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. Right now, it is the biggest trading partner of over 120 countries. This means that China may be able to handle these new tariffs without needing to fight back immediately.
Chong Ja Ian from Carnegie China told BBC that Beijing might think a 10% tariff is something it can “endure.” This could be why China is staying quiet instead of reacting aggressively. Unless China sees a clear advantage in retaliating, it may choose to wait and see what happens next.
Xi Jinping’s Big Opportunity
While Trump is busy causing tension with China, Canada, Mexico, and even the European Union (EU), Chinese President Xi Jinping may see this as a great opportunity. BBC points out that Trump is creating divisions among U.S. allies, which could make them reconsider their relationship with America. Meanwhile, China could take this chance to position itself as a more reliable and stable trade partner.
Yun Sun, a China expert from the Stimson Center, told BBC that “Trump’s America-first policy is making things difficult for almost every country.” If Trump continues on this path, it could weaken the U.S.’s leadership role in the world. BBC highlights that this could work in China’s favor, as Beijing could step in to fill the gap left by the U.S. in global trade and diplomacy.
This is not the first time China has done this. BBC reminds us that in 2020, when Trump cut U.S. funding for the World Health Organization (WHO), China quickly stepped in and provided money. Similarly, now that Trump has frozen U.S. foreign aid, China may see another opportunity to expand its influence in developing countries.
John Delury, a professor at Yonsei University in Seoul, told BBC that Trump’s “America First” approach is sending a clear message to the world: the U.S. is not interested in working together with other countries. If the U.S. steps back, China could use this chance to take the lead in global cooperation.
Asian Countries Are Watching Carefully
Even though China might gain some advantages, not every country is ready to trust Beijing completely. BBC reports that Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines have been growing closer in response to China’s growing power. They have their own concerns about China’s increasing influence, especially in the South China Sea and over Taiwan.
BBC highlights that many of these countries have relied on a military alliance with the U.S. to balance their trade relationship with China. But if they start doubting the U.S. under Trump’s leadership, they might consider forming new regional alliances that don’t depend on either of the world’s two superpowers.
China’s Next Move
Trump announced these new tariffs during the Chinese New Year, when most people in China were celebrating with their families. BBC notes that this may have played a role in Beijing’s quiet response, as the Chinese government did not want to create panic during the holiday.
Instead of launching an aggressive counterattack, China has said it will take legal action through the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, BBC reminds us that this may not have much effect, since Trump already weakened the WTO by blocking key decisions back in 2019.
For now, China seems to be staying calm, possibly hoping to negotiate with Trump later. But many experts believe this won’t last forever. BBC points out that both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. now see China as America’s biggest global rival, meaning tensions are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Wu Xinbo, a professor at Fudan University, told BBC that Trump’s unpredictable behavior and his team’s strong anti-China stance will likely cause “serious disruption” in U.S.-China relations over the next four years.
While China worries about the impact of a trade war on its economy, BBC suggests that Beijing may also see this as a chance to pull more countries into its sphere of influence.
If Trump keeps pushing America away from global partnerships, China could step in and take advantage of the power vacuum he leaves behind.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78xj7j719jo