President Trump’s bold move to impose tough tariffs on China isn’t merely a negotiating tactic—it’s a patriotic stand against an authoritarian regime that has been manipulating trade and exploiting American workers for decades. As the experts affirm, the United States now holds the stronger hand in this trade standoff, while the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) struggles to keep its economy afloat amid mounting business closures and escalating unemployment.
Despite Beijing’s bravado, we see clearly through their façade. As Henry Wu, a prominent macroeconomist with Taiwan AIA Capital, told The Epoch Times, “Xi Jinping misjudged the impact of U.S. tariffs. Instead of tackling the real issues, he resorted to nationalist sentiment, ultimately dragging down China’s economy.” While Xi tries to save face with fiery rhetoric, the CCP’s economic foundation is crumbling, exposing their vulnerabilities for the world to see.
Indeed, Trump’s strategic deployment of tariffs has revealed the fundamental weaknesses in China’s state-controlled economy. Factories are shutting down, millions of Chinese workers are losing their livelihoods, and social media is awash with stories of desperation and frustration among ordinary citizens. Meanwhile, the United States economy, under Trump’s America First policies, is robust, resilient, and poised to benefit from a new wave of manufacturing growth and job creation.
Moreover, Trump’s approach has successfully isolated China on the international stage. Beijing desperately attempted to rally support against American tariffs through diplomatic appeals, only to find that nations prioritize their own interests and stand firmly with the United States. As U.S.-based China affairs commentator Wang He pointed out, “Despite occasional political friction with Washington, neither bloc can afford to alienate the United States.” The EU and ASEAN depend heavily on trade surpluses with America, leaving China increasingly alone in its futile fight against Trump’s economic strategy.
In recent weeks, China’s export sector has been hit hard, with a surge in business closures and rising unemployment. Videos of industry workers and business owners complaining about the downturn have circulated widely on Chinese social media.
As U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng prepare for their first in-person negotiations since these tariffs took effect, it’s clear who holds the leverage. Trump recently signaled he’s open to reducing tariffs from 145 percent to 80 percent, demonstrating a willingness to negotiate from strength while holding China accountable for years of trade abuses. “An 80 percent Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B,” Trump announced, confidently placing the ball firmly in Beijing’s court.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that despite public denials, China has already quietly lowered tariffs on critical U.S. imports like semiconductors—an implicit admission of defeat. Wang He noted, “The two sides must have remained in contact through various levels and channels, but Beijing was playing semantic games, insisting such contact does not constitute formal negotiations.” Trump’s proactive and flexible approach stands in stark contrast to China’s stubbornness and face-saving games, highlighting once again America’s superior negotiating position.
Looking ahead, Trump’s America First trade agenda is bearing fruit elsewhere. Trade agreements with Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam are progressing rapidly, building a powerful global coalition aligned with American interests. As economist Henry Wu rightly observed, Trump may no longer be interested in protracted talks with a Beijing regime notorious for breaking its promises. “The United States has realized the problem isn’t just Xi Jinping—it’s the whole authoritarian system of the CCP,” Wu emphasized. America now understands that integrating China into the global economy only emboldened a regime fundamentally hostile to freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Thus, Trump’s tariffs are not merely economic tools—they are strategic weapons aimed at reshaping China’s political landscape and curbing authoritarianism. As Trump finalizes trade deals with allies this week, China’s isolation will only deepen, and the pressure on Beijing will intensify.
The upcoming trade talks in Switzerland may or may not produce immediate outcomes. Nevertheless, one thing is abundantly clear: America holds the winning hand. Trump’s decisive leadership, combined with unwavering commitment to American workers, economic security, and national sovereignty, has forged a path toward lasting economic victory. China must now choose whether to abandon its rigid authoritarian model or suffer deeper economic consequences.
President Trump’s message to Beijing is simple and clear: America’s days of submission to unfair trade practices are over. The CCP can either reform or face relentless pressure until the world witnesses a China built upon democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
