China’s response to the new trade war has been more assertive and strategic compared to its approach during US President Donald Trump’s first term – a shift analysts say reflects a “fundamentally different” assessment of Washington’s intentions.
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Earlier this month as trade tensions with the US surged, China vowed to “fight till the end”. Since then it has remained defiant as other countries have looked to make a deal with Washington.
That sentiment was reflected in a front-page commentary last week by Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily, which said that although America’s “abuse” of tariffs would affect China, “the sky will not fall”.
President Xi Jinping has also spoken out against bullying and hegemony – apparent references to the US – during his trip to Southeast Asia this week.
The message was reinforced when Xia Baolong, Beijing’s top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs, slammed the US in a sternly worded speech to mark the 10th National Security Education Day on Tuesday.
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“The US isn’t after our tariffs, it is after our very survival,” said Xia, a close aide to Xi and former vice-chairman of the country’s top political advisory body.