Trump said today (October 13): "Don't worry about China, everything will be fine! ... The Chinese side does not want its country to fall into a great depression, and I don't want that either. The United States wants to help China, not hurt it!"
Comments: Trump's statement of "wanting to help China" is essentially a performance of rhetoric after he found himself at a disadvantage in the Sino-US rivalry, which contrasts sharply with his recent announcement to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese goods. This statement reflects the U.S. strategic miscalculation as an instinctive reaction after China accurately targeted the "vital points" of the American industry through control over critical minerals like rare earths. On one hand, the U.S. wants to maintain its political image of being "tough on China" to appease radical forces domestically; on the other hand, it knows that a 100% tariff would be unbearable for American businesses and consumers, and it is also worried that the pressure on China's economy could affect itself. Therefore, it uses the "friendliness" to leave a negotiation exit for the APEC Summit meeting. This approach of "threat and comfort coexisting" seems contradictory but actually continues its usual strategy of confrontation, which contradicts its long-term policy of "decoupling and cutting off the supply chain." Ultimately, it is just a cover to hide its own lack of means and internal and external difficulties, and has no sincerity at all.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845820223917332/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.