What began as a hopeful moment in U.S.-China relations quickly turned frosty this year. Three days before his January inauguration, then President-elect Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping, later welcoming a Chinese delegation to his swearing-in ceremony. But by February, the mood shifted dramatically when Trump slapped 20% tariffs on Chinese goods – doubling an initial 10% proposal within weeks.
China retaliated with targeted tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, hitting sectors like soybeans and pork. The moves have sent shockwaves through global markets, with the IMF warning of potential supply chain disruptions. 🌾📉
Why It Matters Now
As we approach 2026, analysts say these tensions could reshape everything from tech innovation races to climate cooperation. CGTN’s Jim Spellman reports that Chinese officials remain “open to dialogue” but emphasize protecting national interests.
Young professionals and entrepreneurs are watching closely: “This affects everything from my startup’s hardware costs to international expansion plans,” says 28-year-old Shanghai-based tech founder Li Wei.
