China has an opportunity to act as an elder statesman, thanks to the spectacular own goals of Donald Trump’s tariffs. Usually cast as a disruptor of the postwar economic order, and sometimes relishing the reputation, Beijing has much to gain in the public-relations arena. The challenger can now present as the defender of the system. This is a soft-power gift.
China retaliated on Friday against the sharp levies the US president imposed on it — and other US trading partners — but appeared careful not to go beyond what the White House announced on April 2. President Xi Jinping will set a 34% duty on imports from the US, matching the level of Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs on Chinese products. The Asian giant lobbed a few targeted measures America’s way, too. Seven types of rare-earth exports will be curbed, purchases of some poultry items are to be halted, and it will step up scrutiny of US firms.
