On April 15 local time, Trump posted again on his personal social media. He wrote a long string of text discussing two issues:

1. He claimed: China is being very cruel to our farmers (he was referring to the 125% tariff imposed by China which would harm the interests of American farmers);

2. He claimed: China has just violated the big deal with Boeing!

When talking about Boeing, Trump used two exclamation marks to express his anger. Regarding China's decision to stop accepting Boeing aircraft and various parts and other related equipment, on April 15, the US media Bloomberg reported this matter. The report stated that Chinese airlines have decided to suspend the acceptance of Boeing aircraft, as well as various parts and other related equipment.

Many people may not understand why this matter made Trump so furious. The reason is simple: refusing to accept Boeing means:

1. China's countermeasures against the US are not as simple as Vice President Vance and others understand; China will not limit its countermeasures to agricultural products and low-end goods but will also target high-end products;

2. This also means that Boeing, a symbol of American manufacturing, now has alternatives. China can not only produce large aircraft itself but also open up overseas markets;

3. For Boeing, which has been criticized for quality problems in recent years, this will be a heavy blow. Last month, Boeing just secured a major project for the US sixth-generation fighter F-47, which was considered Boeing's best opportunity to turn things around. And this opportunity was given to Boeing by Trump. However, now losing the Chinese market, even with the F-47 project, Boeing will still face difficulties. Moreover, due to China's control in the rare earth field, the F-47 project may not proceed smoothly.

In short, as a leading enterprise in American manufacturing, Boeing being "humiliated" is no different from a slap in the face for Trump. Therefore, it is normal for Trump to be furious. As for the White House, they now have new words regarding the tariff agreement between China and the US.

On April 15 local time, White House Press Secretary Leavitt said: China needs to make money from us, now China needs to reach an agreement with us, not the other way around! The ball is in China's court...

In recent days, the White House, Treasury Secretary, and Trump himself have repeatedly emphasized their hope that China will take the initiative to negotiate with them. On April 14, the Treasury Secretary even spoke out to the world, saying: "Countries that come to negotiate with the US earlier will gain more benefits." The Treasury Secretary's statement was very much like the sales pitch at a farmer's market. Previously, the US claimed that over 100 countries were lining up to negotiate with the US, but now it seems things are not as they have advertised; very few countries are willing to follow the US negotiation route.

In this situation, Trump is considering exemptions in other fields; he has already hinted that partial exemptions may be granted to the automotive industry. Moreover, he explained that changing strategies was not about going back on his word but because he is a flexible person. Indeed, in his dictionary, there is no such word as "defeat," and he will always find a good way to explain his "defeat."

In summary, after more than ten days of the tariff war between China and the US, the following changes have occurred:

1. The US is firmly held by China in low, medium, and high-end industrial chains;

2. Trump clearly hopes to reach an agreement with China, but he cannot find a way down the stairs. His allies and China's friends are trying to see the real strength of the US, so he dares not easily compromise with China;

3. China still holds a wait-and-see attitude and is fighting one combination after another. In this tariff war, we have the ability to fight a protracted war.

A few hours ago, Singapore's renowned politician Lee Hsien Loong delivered a speech, believing that time is running out for the US. He also believed that Trump is very likely to adopt harsher measures against China in a fit of rage. Mr. Lee's words make sense. We cannot expect Trump to admit defeat immediately, even if he really wants to. We need to keep watching for more developments.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493706062089028131/

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