The Guardian’s view on Trump and China: Stepping back from the brink, but not solving the problems | Editorial

TThe divergent judgments made by the Chinese and American leaders after their talks in South Korea on Thursday reflected more than the gap between their personal styles and political cultures. Donald Trump spoke enthusiastically about the “amazing” meeting, scoring 12 out of 10; It is said that Xi Jinping male A consensus has been reached, as both sides need to quickly complete follow-up steps.

Mr. Trump’s usual business approach – Yelling loudly and waving a big stick — faltered when Beijing raised its cudgel. Xi did not offer any honors with gold crowns or pledges of a Nobel Prize nomination. The US president blinked first – but, predictably, tried to recast the disappointing result as a great success.

In fact, it was the necessary calm that turned back the clock. Trump – who once announced 145% tariffs on China – agreed to lower the average rate to 45% and suspended the tightening of technology-related export controls. China has announced that it will buy soybeans from the United States and – more importantly – will refrain from imposing the tough restrictions on exports of rare earth elements, which it has threatened as a countermeasure. It is still unclear whether China will have access to Nvidia’s powerful Blackwell chip. Experts say it would Significantly reduce American superiority in artificial intelligenceWith clear economic and security implications.

This is a one-year deal and may be nothing more than a temporary stop. Trump’s trade diplomacy is always erratic: last week, he announced that he would add 10% to tariffs on Canada in response to a regional political announcement. The country’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has just passed away His own swing across Asia; Trumpism is forcing old allies to search for alternatives. India’s oscillating tariffs have pushed it towards China. However, if the United States wants to win in the long term, it will need to strengthen partnerships.

Trump struck trade deals during this Asian tour, but the underlying problems are more apparent than ever. No one can anymore rely on bilateral relations with Washington, as the United States is withdrawing from global institutions and forums, while China seeks to strengthen its role. Meanwhile, American companies are struggling to… Making strategic decisions When they don’t know what the tariff rate will be next week, they don’t have to worry next year.

Beneath the shortcomings of this administration lie long-term failures. China was drawing strategic maps and addressing economic weaknesses. This truce gives him time to continue this work. The United States is Late to the game. It has just concluded an important minerals deal with Australia, but reducing dependence on Chinese rare earths will be a very long process – as is the case with China. Japan experience And it showed.

However, Beijing’s decision to weaponize access to rare earth elements has heightened concerns about China outside the United States as well. The G7 summit is expected to be held in Canada Launching an alliance Countering Chinese hegemony on Friday. The European Union must also show that it will do so Standing up to Chinese coercion.

Likewise, while China has become less dependent on exports to the United States since Trump’s first term, other countries are becoming increasingly wary and resistant. dumping. Beijing’s long-standing pledges to rebalance the faltering economy toward domestic consumption Not yet achieved; High-tech self-reliance appears to be the priority.

Thursday’s meeting may have offered some breathing room. But as the fundamental contradictions within and between the two giants remain unresolved, the risks are not limited to them alone; They are also for others who have little faith in either side.