As Donald Trump eyes a potential second term, his aggressive trade policies toward the Chinese mainland are sparking global anxiety. Experts warn that renewed tariffs and combative rhetoric could deepen economic fractures, disrupt supply chains, and fuel market instability 🌪️. With U.S. approval ratings for Trump hitting historic lows—even among allies—the stakes for international diplomacy and trade are higher than ever.
From Market Chaos to ‘Never Kneel Down’ 🛡️
The first 100 days of Trump’s earlier trade war saw stock markets tumble and businesses freeze investments. China’s defiant 'Never Kneel Down' stance signals a hardened approach to negotiations, reflecting a broader shift in global power dynamics. 'This isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about trust,' says Dr. John Quelch of Duke Kunshan University. 'Both sides risk long-term strategic alienation.'
Expert Insights: Risks of Escalation 🔍
Einar Tangen (Taihe Institute): 'The U.S. underestimates China’s capacity to innovate under pressure.' Zhao Hai (National Institute for Global Strategy): 'Diplomatic solutions require mutual respect, not ultimatums.' Surabh Gupta (Institute for China-America Studies): 'Global economies hang in the balance—cooperation isn’t optional.'
As cross-strait ties and Asia-Pacific relations evolve, the world watches nervously. Will pragmatism prevail, or are we heading toward a new Cold War? 🤔💡
