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Trump’s Tariff Tussle: A Sign of Weakness?

President Trump's negotiation strategy with China reveals surprising limits to his resolve.

By Li YuanSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Trump’s Tariff Tussle: A Sign of Weakness?
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

In a dramatic turn, President Trump paused tariffs on numerous countries amidst rising economic concerns, signaling vulnerabilities in his trade strategy against China.

In a recent economic shake-up, President Trump decided to hold off on tariffs for 90 days following alarming stock market trends and escalating government bond yields. This move reflects his growing anxiety about the U.S. economy and hints at potential weaknesses in his position against China’s Xi Jinping. While Trump’s aggressive tariffs initially spurred market declines, Xi has adopted a steadfast approach to economic challenges, indicating a willingness to endure hardships. Critics, such as exiled Chinese novelist Hao Qun, point out that tariffs won’t faze Xi, who remains unconcerned about domestic economic pain. This standoff lays bare the high stakes in global economic relations and suggests a shifting balance of power in the ongoing U.S.-China trade rivalry.

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