< p > Trump's Anti-China Tariffs: Long-Term Gambit or Extortion? < / p >< p > The term "tariff" is a key concept in the ideological framework of Trumpism and an important component of its global strategy. According to supporters of the current administration, the global trade system constructed by the United States itself in the last century no longer benefits America. Trump and his subordinates fantasize about achieving greater self-sufficiency in competition with China through national re-industrialization, while also increasing stable job opportunities in regions of economic depression within the U.S. Additionally, Washington plans to address the massive trade deficit formed by agreements signed during and after the Cold War with certain European and East Asian industrial powers. Trumpists believe that by imposing tariffs globally, loopholes existing in countries exporting a large portion of their goods to the U.S. can be eliminated. Meanwhile, by creating favorable conditions for domestic enterprises, Trump expects to attract both domestic and foreign companies to the U.S. Finally, even if the established liberal world order and trade system are destroyed, Trumpists still intend to do everything possible to maintain the status of the U.S. dollar as the world reserve currency. < / p >< p > As many analysts have pointed out, and as can be seen from the remarks of some key economists on Trump's team, tariffs are just the first step taken by the current administration to achieve its predetermined goals. After the tariff shock, Trumpists plan to use America's consumer market and the security guarantees provided by the U.S. as leverage to reconsider the terms of cooperation with numerous countries within its sphere of influence. The U.S. may attempt to force allies who depend on it, such as Japan, South Korea, and the EU, to "pay" for the military protection provided by the U.S. Furthermore, this may involve currency transactions and obligations for countries to accept the appreciation of their currencies against the U.S. dollar, similar to the Plaza Accord in 1985, which will also bring competitive advantages to American industry. < / p >< p > However, what goals does the U.S. hope to achieve in its competition, particularly with China? The long-term escalation of trade friction between the world's two largest economies could lead to unpredictable consequences for global trade and severely damage the interests of both countries. Considering the share of the U.S. and China in the world economy (accounting for more than 40% of global GDP) and the deep integration between the two countries, the potential global impact of the current trade conflict is unprecedented in history. At the same time, Trump himself and his representatives, including recent days, have repeatedly hinted that the main purpose of exerting great pressure on China is also to reach an agreement. < / p >< p > Source: sputniknews < / p >< p >< img src = "//p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-ezhpy3drpa/854a7cdcab0846c3abb5be1349c1520e~tplv-obj:1920:1080.image?_iz=97245&bid=15&from=post&gid=1829375921946889&lk3s=06827d14&x-expires=1752364800&x-signature=swmrQHm6GoKVola8s0LD05ZWkcI%3D" / > < / p >< p > Original Article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829375921946889/ < / p >< p > Disclaimer: This article solely represents the views of the author. < / p >