Just after the third round of China-US trade negotiations, US Treasury Secretary Bessen issued a tough statement: "The Chinese are not easy to deal with, but we are not the ones who eat vegetables either." This remark was like throwing a match into a powder keg, instantly igniting the nerves of global media.

US Treasury Secretary Bessen

American wants to negotiate conditions with China? First, they have to pass through the rare earths!

China's position in the rare earth market is like holding the lifeline of high-tech industries. "China accounts for more than 60% of global rare earth production and 90% of refining capacity. What are rare earths? Smartphones, fighter jets, satellites, missiles - none can do without them. The lifelines of American high-tech and military industry are all in China's hands!" CNN's commentary hit the nail on the head. In April this year, when China slightly tightened rare earth exports, American companies immediately went into chaos. Bessen admitted on CNBC that China and the US have been discussing a new system for rare earth exports, "and there have been many advances so far." But China? The approval process is slow and deliberate, making America impatient. This card played out, Trump must be about to crack his skull!

Rare earths are not cabbages, they are strategic weapons! Does America want China to fully open its supply to solve the high-tech "stranglehold" issue? Dreaming! China's stance is clear: no talk about military fields, and civilian areas can be slightly relaxed. The Center for Strategic and International Studies sees clearly: "Behind the rare earth dispute is a life-or-death battle for global high-tech industrial chain dominance." By the first half of 2025, American chip companies suffered a 12% drop in capacity due to rare earth shortages. China? Rare earth industry output value grew by 10% against the trend, and the export structure was actively adjusted. This card played, America couldn't even catch it!

America again brings up the energy stick, Bessen threatened in Stockholm to use 100% tariffs to force China to stop buying Russian and Iranian oil. But he turned around and was defeated: "China takes its own sovereignty very seriously." China is Russia's top oil buyer, "accounting for nearly 50% of Russia's oil exports." This isn't a transaction, it's a chain of geopolitical strategies! Since June last year, China's energy imports from the United States have almost reached zero, and liquefied natural gas has also significantly shrunk. China has already put eggs in the baskets of Russia, Iran, and the "Belt and Road Initiative." Bloomberg data revealed the truth: "China's long-term crude oil contracts in Russia's Far East have surged by 23%, and Iran's exports to China have also rebounded strongly."

Trump wants to scare people with tariffs? CNN laughed: "China will never surrender to the President of the United States in trade negotiations." Sovereignty issues, China wouldn't even blink an eye. Professor Xin Qiang from Fudan University spoke sharply: "Beijing will definitely adhere to focusing on the essence of trade negotiations and will not allow other issues to interfere." China's energy security is as solid as a fortress, and its strategic composure is as stable as a mountain. Trump's oil card? Better light a cigarette with it!

America still has daydreams, wanting China to disarm itself: reduce manufacturing, buy more American goods. Bessen openly stated: "The US advocates that China needs to transform, shifting from a state-led, export-oriented manufacturing economy model to one dominated by consumer demand." China's manufacturing is the pillar of the nation, exports are the engine of the economy, and the domestic market of 1.4 billion people is a strong backing. "In 2024, China's economy accounted for 17% of global GDP." Why should you change the script for your country?

Why did the EU become as timid as a quail in front of Trump? The NATO umbrella is tied around their necks. CNN pierced the window: "Trump has taken advantage of the allies' dependence on the US for security, so naturally, trade is under his control." Germany and France reluctantly signed a 15% tariff agreement, and the French were angry, calling it "an arrow in the knee." But China? It's very firm! Nuclear arsenal, aircraft carrier fleet, Dongfeng Express, which is not hard currency? Trump wants to pressure with security cards? China turned back with a cold glance: Who are you trying to show off to?

Bessen's words "we are not the ones who eat vegetables" sound intimidating, but actually just bluffing. China holds three winning cards: rare earths, energy, and the economy. Any one of them can make America tremble. Tariff sticks? China directly treats them as tickling. Trump wants to gain face by visiting China? China doesn't even bother to send an invitation, leaving him pacing in the White House.

The deadline for the August 12 tariff truce is approaching, and Bessen is desperately working on "technical details," while China remains calm. Who is the real hard nut? The answer is clear: China has the strength, the leverage, and the patience. Trump's threats are nothing but the roar of a paper tiger. Bessen, you say we are hard nuts? Then let's test each other, see who breaks first!

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7533261109450424883/

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