Reference Message Network reported on May 3 that the Hong Kong South China Morning Post website published an article titled "Trump Stumbles, China Gains Advantage in Trade War" on April 29. The author is Wenran Jiang, the founding dean of the China Institute at the University of Alberta. The following is a compiled translation of the article: Nearly a month has passed since US President Donald Trump's so-called "Liberation Day" trade war began. Washington has temporarily stepped back from imposing tariffs on most countries - even acknowledging that the exorbitant tariffs imposed on Chinese goods are unsustainable. Although Washington and the rest of the world initially underestimated China's swift counterattack against Trump's "Trade War 2.0," they now recognize China's strength. China's response has been measured and almost restrained. It directly counters Trump's tariff measures and announced it will no longer respond to further US actions after tariffs exceeded 125%. Since February when Trump began imposing tariffs, China has challenged US policies at the WTO, restricted exports of key minerals, and vowed to resist America's hostile actions. A prolonged trade war could expose American vulnerabilities: empty store shelves, skyrocketing prices, as executives from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot told Trump; a sluggish stock market; low public morale, and political shockwaves before the 2026 midterm elections. If there is no solution by early next year, the pressure Trump faces domestically may further weaken his power, forcing him to abandon punitive trade agendas and undermining the broader goal of the Trump administration to contain China. To address supply chain disruptions, Beijing has accelerated the implementation of its domestic-international "dual circulation" strategy. Additionally, record-breaking R&D investments have placed China at the forefront of global leadership in artificial intelligence patent applications and quantum computing investments. By advocating multilateralism, fair trade, and a green future driven by climate initiatives, China aims to fill the void in global leadership. More likely, China will seize this opportunity to advocate for another vision of the global order, strengthening frameworks such as BRICS, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the Renminbi settlement mechanism. China is also actively courting America's allies and deepening relations with Southeast Asia. It positions itself as a stable alternative. Trump has few cards left: the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict shows no signs of ending; his boasted trade deals remain unfulfilled; his own approval ratings are declining. As Trump stumbles through his first 100 days in office and hastily declares victory, Beijing holds an advantage in this struggle. It has the ability to unite global partners and force the US back to the negotiating table. Trump's bluster masks a reality: in this trade war, China is not just defending its interests but reshaping the future global order. (Compiled/translated by Xuelei Yang) Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7500121108549599781/ Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your opinions by clicking the "Like/Dislike" buttons below.