Washington: In recent days, the main agenda of the world economy has been the changes in the U.S. foreign trade policy, particularly the tariff policy. On one hand, Washington is making concessions in the tariffs it imposes on some countries, while on the other hand, it continues to pursue a stricter line against China. This different approach raises new questions in international relations: Is the main goal of the U.S. tariff policy to weaken the Chinese economy?
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, US political scientist Peter Tase highlighted that the Trump administration has shown a propensity for stimulating the national economy by imposing tariffs and restricting trade with the European Union, the People's Republic of China, and the rest of the world. The ongoing tariffs against China and other trade blocs are contributing to a more fractured global landscape and reducing America's reliance on globalization and everything associated with it.
The American political analyst also discussed the possibility that the ongoing "tariff war" could backfire on the U.S. He did not rule out the fact that Washington's "closed" stance toward offers coming from the Chinese market could seriously harm the American economy. The EU has shown weakness and lack of leadership in negotiations with the Trump administration. Washington seeks to balance the trade deficit with the EU and China. China, being the principal party affected by Trump's trade tariffs, has ordered its companies not to purchase any Boeing aircraft until further notice.
Chinese economic experts have expressed that the sharp increase in tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese imports, some reaching up to 145%, signals a new phase in the competition between the two economic giants. This move is not limited to short-term economic effects but also raises deep concerns about the future of global trade. High tariffs could slow China's export growth, particularly in high-tech and industrial products. Beijing may resort to domestic stimulus measures and try to seek alternative markets to soften these impacts.
Despite the U.S. making concessions on tariffs for countries like the European Union, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, it continues an uncompromising policy toward China. The U.S. aims to balance trade relations with China by imposing high tariffs to counter what it sees as unfair trade practices by Beijing. Issues related to intellectual property rights and forced technology transfer have led the U.S. to take strict economic measures against China.
Peter Tase noted that the White House should not reject Beijing's offer to engage in dialogue based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit. The trade standoff initiated by Trump has triggered global market instability, with equity markets in Europe and Asia experiencing declines. Increasing trade tariffs against China may not effectively address issues like the flow of illicit substances into the United States.
Chinese expert Chang Jie argues that the U.S. trade tariffs and economic pressures target China's economic independence and growth. The U.S. aims to slow down China's economic development, particularly in technology and manufacturing. China's strategic plans like 'Made in China 2025' focus on innovation and high technologies, which the U.S. sees as a threat.
China is countering these pressures by strengthening its domestic market and establishing more trade agreements in foreign markets. China believes that the U.S. trade policy contradicts global trade rules and demands a fairer approach from the U.S. The pressure from the U.S. represents a significant challenge for China, both economically and politically.
An American political scientist noted that the sharp increase in tariffs against China could lead to a significant deterioration in bilateral relations and a decline in U.S. GDP growth. Washington's failure to engage in dialogue with Beijing is expected to negatively impact regional security in Southeast Asia.
Against this backdrop, it is clear that the U.S. tariff policy is not only an economic tool but also part of a geopolitical strategy. Washington's tough stance on trade with China is an attempt to preserve its leadership in the global economic order and to contain Beijing's rise, leading to a new stage of economic competition transforming into political confrontation.