From the start of this tariff war, Beijing has shown an ability for long-term strategy, positioning itself for a showdown. China’s “delay strategy” is a carefully calculated effort based on patience, economic leverage and a commitment to what it deems fair.
More significantly, given that Trump aims for a decisive victory in the tariff war to secure the midterm elections next year, China’s strategy gives it an advantageous position in the final negotiations. This is a strategy Trump seems reluctant to acknowledge, ignoring China’s ability to protect its interests.
When the Trump administration started the tariff war, it tested not only China’s economy but also its strategic foresight. What followed was not a reckless escalation but a calibrated response: a combination of firm resistance, targeted countermeasures and deliberate delay, which showed China’s refusal to be bullied while keeping the door open. This approach is not about “winning” a trade war; it is about defending economic sovereignty and laying the foundation for long-term stability.

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What are rare earths, and why is China’s dominance facing global pushback
What are rare earths, and why is China’s dominance facing global pushback