As the U.S. slaps hefty 145% tariffs on Chinese imports and Beijing retaliates with 125% duties, global markets brace for fallout. CGTN analyst Yasir Masood dives into the fray with American geopolitical expert Mike Billington, unpacking the clash's roots and its ripple effects.
A Game of Economic Poker
Billington attributes the tensions to hardline advisors surrounding former President Trump, calling figures like Peter Navarro and Pete Hegseth 'rabidly anti-China.' Their influence, he argues, has sidelined diplomacy despite Trump's earlier warmth toward General Secretary Xi Jinping during historic visits. 🌆
Europe's Pivot to Beijing
With U.S. tariffs spooking allies, European nations are now actively courting China for strategic partnerships. Billington notes: 'Europe sees the U.S. drifting — they’re building bridges East.' Meanwhile, Trump’s recent praise of Xi as 'brilliant' sparks cautious hope for diplomacy.
Belt & Road or Bust?
Could cooperation replace confrontation? Billington points to China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a model for global development. But with $2 quadrillion in derivatives threatening Western economies, the stakes are sky-high. 🔥
Will cooler heads prevail? Stay tuned as this trade tussle reshapes alliances worldwide.
