President Trump’s tariffs are working to shift trade away from China, but experts warn tensions remain high as negotiations hit key deadlines. Gordon Chang predicts Beijing won’t change its “predatory” practices without severe pressure — and says U.S. allies are now seeing the wisdom of Trump’s tough stance.
High-stakes talks in Sweden aim to extend a 90-day trade truce beyond its August 12 expiry. With Trump already slapping 15% tariffs on EU and Japanese exports, China faces mounting pressure to accept harsher terms. Tariffs on Chinese goods stand at 30% compared to 145% earlier this year, but markets stay on edge as uncertainty lingers.
Chang argues China’s state-run system makes fair deals impossible. The regime “embeds cheating” into its trade policies, he insists, meaning any agreement risks being broken. Trump’s strategy to isolate China through allies may force concessions — but Chang predicts “turbulence ahead”.
Recent deals with Japan and Europe show Trump prioritizes allies over China. By redirecting trade flows to friendly nations, the administration weakens Beijing’s economic leverage. A “united front” of democracies could compel China to censor its worst practices.
But Beijing keeps getting rewarded. The U.S. just approved advanced AMD chips to China to sweeten negotiations — a move Chang decries as handing over technology that’ll be stolen. “Intellectual property dies the moment it enters China,” he warns.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the U.S. may cancel Chinese student visas to combat CCP influence. China’s outrage over this rumored policy proves “we’re hitting them where it hurts,” Chang says. Tightening academic ties could curb espionage risks.
These measures reflect Trump’s “America First” approach: protecting jobs, punishing cheaters, and standing up to global bullies. While trade peace jitters ally countries like Sweden, conservatives cheer the push to end China’s decades of unfair trade.
The battle isn’t over, but Trump’s tariffs have already shifted the global playbook. By standing firm against China’s thievery and aligning with free nations, America proves it won’t tolerate stolen treasure or broken promises. The redirection from China won’t be easy — but it’s essential for lasting prosperity.
