As President Trump's insane tariff plan impacts the globe, the latest issue of the British magazine (The Economist), titled 'How We View This World,' released two versions of a highly meaningful cover: one cover features a cartoon of Trump holding a handsaw, literally cutting the map of the United States, implying the damage his tariff policy has inflicted on the U.S. and the global economy; the other version, primarily distributed in Asia, attracts attention with Trump's signature MAGA hat. The difference is that the slogan on this hat has been changed to 'Make China Great Again.'
According to (The Economist), they hope to explore what impact Trump's new tariff policy will have on China. In their inherent perception, China, viewed as America's main rival, should be anxious under the immense pressure from the Trump administration. However, in fact, they see a 'completely different' picture in China.
In the cover article titled (How America Ultimately Made China Great Again), this British media outlet wrote that Trump's high tariffs may damage the Chinese economy to some extent, but America's approach of isolating itself from the world has created a 'great opportunity' for China, allowing it to redraw a geopolitical map in Asia that is favorable to itself. Meanwhile, as the U.S. erects high walls abroad, China has the opportunity to reshape global trade relations.
Reflecting on the current global situation, (The Economist) expresses its sentiments with dark humor: 'China has long criticized the U.S. for its inability to maintain its global role, claiming that the 'world is experiencing unprecedented changes in a century.' This view was once regarded as a nationalist exaggeration by the West. But now, as Trump self-destructs and wreaks havoc worldwide, one must admit that China's perspective is quite advanced.'
(The Economist) points out that over the past decade, China has accelerated its efforts to promote the independent development of its economy and technology, effectively reducing its vulnerability to external constraints such as U.S. sanctions and export controls. Moreover, China has vigorously advanced the construction of a renminbi settlement system, gradually enhancing its discourse power and influence on the international economic stage.
The article states that the outside world has yet to fully recognize the development advantages inherent in China's domestic economy. China maintains a positive attitude towards embracing market competition, continuously increasing investments in technology research and development, and this series of efforts has enabled domestic industrial enterprises to outcompete Western rivals in various emerging fields from electric vehicles to the 'low-altitude economy.' A notable example is DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence that has taken the world by storm this year, seen as a symbol of China's ability to innovate despite U.S. restrictions.
British media have noted that to fully seize economic opportunities, the Chinese government has been active lately, encouraging private enterprises to 'show their talents,' introducing more stimulus measures to promote consumption, while also adding debt limits to ease pressure on local governments, and continuously pushing to stabilize the real estate market.
In sharp contrast, the article critiques, 'Trump's tariff policy is regressive, effectively sending Detroit back to the outdated state of the 1970s.'
For China, geopolitical opportunities coexist with these economic opportunities.
(The Economist) states that in the current situation where the U.S., once a 'beacon of the free world,' has become erratic and fraught with danger, although China has no intention of filling the void left by 'Uncle Sam,' it has seized the opportunity to expand its influence, especially in the Global South, where China's development concepts and cooperation models are increasingly recognized and welcomed by developing countries.
In contrast, Trump’s obsession with protectionism, his wanton humiliation of allies, and his indifference to human rights have subverted traditional perceptions of American values. Trump's contempt for NATO and Ukraine has greatly shaken confidence in America's promises to Asian allies, which (The Economist) refers to as 'a great gift to China.'
British media warn that if Trump fails to reach an agreement with Beijing, he may escalate tensions over exchange rates and implement further sanctions.
On April 2 local time, Trump's long-promoted 'reciprocal tariffs' were implemented, with tariffs on China reaching 34%. (The Economist) states that China's response is not as anxious as they expected, after all, 'China has long been preparing for today's chaotic world.'
Soon, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce responded, stating that China firmly opposes this and will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests.
The Ministry of Commerce pointed out that the U.S. side has drawn the so-called 'reciprocal tariffs' based on subjective and unilateral assessments, which do not comply with international trade rules, severely damaging the legitimate rights and interests of the parties involved, and are a typical example of unilateral bullying. In response, many trading partners have expressed strong dissatisfaction and clear opposition...
Interested friends can take a look.
Published: April 4, 2025, 13:57
Source: Think Tank Digest
