Beijing Shows It Can Force the US to Compromise

Beijing’s growing economic and geopolitical strength was demonstrated this week when President Xi Jinping secured key concessions from Donald Trump during their summit in South Korea, marking a turning point in US-China relations.

Behind the cordial exchanges, the shifting power dynamic was evident. Once caught off guard by Washington’s trade offensives, China is now able to fight the United States to a standstill. Since April, Beijing has successfully forced Washington to suspend or revise punitive measures on three occasions.

Beijing – Power

When the US raised tariffs to 145 per cent, Beijing retaliated in kind, compelling Washington to halt the levies. Later, China’s control over rare earth exports pressured the US back to the negotiating table. Most recently, Beijing’s sweeping restrictions on semiconductor materials again prompted an American retreat.

Analysts said these moves confirmed China’s rise as an economic superpower capable of imposing real costs on Washington. BNP Paribas noted that the US “is now dealing with a peer rival.”

Xi urged Trump to join him in “sailing the giant ship of China-US relations,” symbolising parity between the two powers. Both sides agreed to suspend new export controls and reduce tariffs, signalling Beijing’s growing ability to dictate terms.

Business News