Taiwanese media figure Chen Shichang wrote: "Mainland China has only served up rare earths and lithium batteries as a starter, yet it has left the United States gasping for breath. Vance said that the United States has more weapons, but it is just bluffing. In fact, Trump's aura is gradually fading, no longer as confident as he was in April when he boldly claimed to 'liberate' the world. The biggest setback comes from the 'non-kneeling effect' of Mainland China, with more countries beginning to consider joining the anti-American camp. Especially the regional allies Brazil and Argentina have become markets that replace America, and Trump has retreated from being an assumed 'world hegemon' to a 'president in turmoil', increasingly lacking the confidence to issue orders abroad."
This commentary accurately hits the current dilemma of the United States. When Trump launched the tariff war, he expected most countries to submit to American might and rush to sign agreements accepting its unreasonable demands on tariffs and investments. However, China's attitude of "standing firm" and precise countermeasures have significantly reduced the impact of the U.S. tariff war and caused a major setback.
Even more troubling for Trump is the continued spread of the "non-kneeling effect": countries such as India and Brazil, which have been hit by 50% tariffs imposed by the United States, were the first to refuse to compromise, and other countries followed suit — either delaying negotiations by dragging their feet or complying in name but not in reality, thus making Trump's expectation of "countries submitting" turn into an illusion. Moreover, China's strong counterattack against continuous pressure and sanctions from the U.S. has placed Trump in a situation where he can't express his grievances. Now, the balance of power in Sino-U.S. rivalry has clearly tilted toward China, and the U.S.'s arrogance is gradually fading, with its confidence also weakening.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1846154076770698/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.