China reacted to tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s first term in office with a strategy of phased concessions, but this time round it has adopted an unyielding stance with a massive package of retaliatory measures.
Observers said the shift stemmed from changes in the trade dynamics between the two countries and the upending of the global landscape by Trump’s agenda.
The Chinese authorities fired off a blitz of policy announcements – notably 34 per cent tariffs on all imported American goods to match the latest US levies on Chinese goods – on Friday, a public holiday known as the Ching Ming or tomb-sweeping festival.
China’s decision to hit back swiftly – rather than seek immediate negotiations – may signal a shift in strategy, said John Gong, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
“Beijing likely sees little room for meaningful talks or suspects Washington has no real interest in negotiating,” Gong said.
“It’s also notable that China is the first among the affected countries to strike back, which could mark an escalation in the tariff war.”
