Trade war or reorganization: Beijing uses US tariffs to strengthen regional markets

While Beijing defends the latest export controls on rare earths as a “legitimate measure,” Washington is once again responding with tariff threats. However, Chinese analysts see less of a “grand plan” by President Trump behind the escalation, and more a chaotic, inconsistent US policy – while China is strategically strengthening its trade relations in Asia and Africa. Traders in China remain calm.

Last updated: 12. October 2025