President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico prompted leaders of both countries to seek solutions through phone calls with him. However, China, engaged in a longstanding trade and tech war with the U.S., has taken a different approach in Trump’s second term by insisting on negotiations conducted on equal footing. Despite expressing openness to talks, China has also prepared for increased U.S. tariffs, implementing retaliatory measures such as taxing key U.S. farm imports.
As the world’s second-largest economy, China aims to assert itself as a major global power, emphasizing equality in negotiations with the U.S. Amid escalating tensions, the Chinese government has swiftly responded to U.S. tariff increases with a range of retaliatory actions designed to impact the American economy and businesses. Chinese leaders, under President Xi Jinping’s continuous leadership, have developed various strategies to counter American measures effectively.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that China will not allow any country to suppress or contain its development while expecting good relations. Analysts note that China’s current responses to U.S. tariffs are measured and strategic, reflecting lessons learned from past dealings with Trump. With a diversified trade portfolio and strengthened economic resilience, China appears better prepared to weather the impacts of trade disputes compared to previous years.
In contrast, Mexico and Canada, highly reliant on exports to the U.S., have faced challenges from Trump’s trade policies, prompting them to adopt defensive measures. Trudeau and Sheinbaum, leaders of Canada and Mexico, have demonstrated a firm stance against unilateral tariffs, highlighting the need for robust responses to protect their interests in the face of escalating trade tensions.
