Summary
Trump escalated his trade war with China by raising tariffs to 125%, even as he dropped tariffs on other nations to ease recession fears.
China retaliated with 84% tariffs on U.S. goods, triggering a high-stakes standoff with both sides refusing to back down.
Experts warn the escalating tit-for-tat threatens global markets and diplomacy. Trump’s team calls China a “bad actor,” while Beijing frames the U.S. as a bully.
Each side believes time favors them, making de-escalation unlikely. Business leaders urge talks, but neither leader wants to appear weak.
The last one was just a grifter move to funnel more cash to his billionaire buddies.
This time, it’s more strategic — the goal is to weaken China. The alliance between Russia, Iran, and China is built on a shared opposition to the U.S. and Western democracy. But Trump’s return throws a wrench into that dynamic.
Putin sees an opportunity: Isolate and economically hurt China, and improve Russias own leverage on the global stage — all while using Trump as a tool once again.
Putin is operating like it is last century. Trump is operating like it is two centuries ago.
Russia has no cards to play against China unfortunately. Putin can’t even move his Far East troops out of Vladivostok for fear of China and a two-front war.