[Text/Observer Network Qi Qian] On April 25, the "Shanghai Forum 2025" annual meeting opened in Shanghai.

In the afternoon of the 25th, Wu Xinbo, director of Fudan University's American Research Center, and Rick Waters (self-proclaimed as "Richard Waters"), former assistant secretary of state at the U.S. Department of State and director of the Carnegie China Center, attended the "Sino-U.S. Relations" sub-forum to engage in a high-level dialogue on the issue of the Sino-U.S. tariff war.

The Observer Network learned from the scene that Wu Xinbo pointed out in his keynote speech that U.S. President Trump is "very anxious" because he has not prepared for the current situation. He noted that the Trump administration seriously misjudged China, mistakenly believing that after playing the "tariff card," China would have no choice but to surrender. To their surprise, China did not surrender as they expected but insisted on accompanying them to the end.

"Now, Trump waits for a call from China every day," Wu Xinbo said. "We do not think it is urgent to reach an agreement with the United States; we can wait."

He continued to say that, conversely, the U.S. cannot afford to wait. After the so-called "reciprocal tariff" policy caused continuous fluctuations in the U.S. stock market, Treasury bonds, and the dollar exchange rate, Trump currently faces severe economic and political pressure at home, and even voices of dissatisfaction have emerged within the Republican Party.

On the afternoon of the 25th, Wu Xinbo delivered a speech at the "Shanghai Forum".

Rick Waters believed that the root cause of the current Sino-U.S. trade tensions does not lie in the current Trump administration but rather at the end of the Obama administration.

He summarized three trends affecting Sino-U.S. relations: the enhancement of China's economic, military, and political influence; the global trade and financial system becoming less advantageous for the U.S. with China's rise; and the development of AI and social media further exacerbating structural contradictions between the two countries.

Waters also stated that there is no essential difference between Trump's policies during his two terms; the differences are due to varying levels of preparation. During his first term, the Trump team was underprepared and had to seek help from traditional Republican elites and other professionals; however, during his second term, Trump was clearly well-prepared, personnel appointments were in place, and he could accurately convey his own will.

Hua Ziqiang attended the "Shanghai Forum 2025" on the afternoon of the 25th - Video screenshot

Wu Xinbo agreed with Hua Ziqiang's view that there are structural contradictions between China and the U.S. He added that many issues between China and the U.S. belong to structural contradictions that cannot be thoroughly resolved in the short term. However, as long as both sides demonstrate sufficient flexibility and creativity, these issues can be effectively managed.

Regarding Sino-U.S. engagement, Wu Xinbo continued by stating that, in his view, Trump deliberately prevented his subordinates from contacting China. "He wants to monopolize power and appear like a domineering boss, as if saying 'everything is decided by me.' I believe this poses a challenge to Sino-U.S. engagement."

In the question-and-answer session, someone mentioned reports about "Trump pressuring other countries to isolate China." Several foreign media outlets recently cited messages claiming that the Trump administration was preparing to pressure other countries during tariff negotiations to limit trade with China in exchange for U.S. tariff exemptions.

Regarding this, Wu Xinbo said that China does not need to worry too much. He pointed out that China is the main trading partner of approximately 150 countries and regions, meaning that "our ties with most countries in the world are stronger than those with the U.S., and furthermore, we are increasingly becoming a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI)."

"Why would they sacrifice their economic interests with China for trade with the U.S.? This makes no sense," Wu Xinbo said, adding that he had a premonition that Trump's tariff policy "will backfire, and it won't be China that ends up isolated but rather the economic disconnection between the U.S. and the rest of the world, which will not revitalize the U.S. economy."

At the forum, someone asked what techniques or strategies China might use to make other countries listen better to its propositions in the current situation where the Trump administration continues to pressure other countries to "isolate China."

"Other countries should understand that when Trump wields the tariff stick, it is China that resists bullying," Wu Xinbo pointed out. "Without China's firm countermeasures, Trump would not have paused tariffs for 90 days. For this, they should be grateful."

Wu Xinbo emphasized that more importantly, for other countries, this choice concerns the entire international trade and economic system. Choosing China or the U.S. means choosing the "fairness and freedom" supported by China or the "protectionism, economic nationalism, and unilateralism" supported by the U.S.

"I believe this is a crucial issue, and every country, regardless of size, needs to carefully consider it," he stressed.

He pointed out that China also needs to "seize opportunities" to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with major partner countries while "turning external pressure into developmental momentum, promoting Chinese social reforms and technological development, which has become a consensus within China."

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On the afternoon of the 25th, Wu Xinbo and Hua Ziqiang attended the "Sino-U.S. Relations" sub-forum

After taking office in January, Trump raised tariffs globally and frequently changed policies: first, he sparked a tariff war against the world, then suddenly suspended "reciprocal tariffs" for 90 days and targeted China. Since then, Trump has repeatedly increased tariffs on China. U.S. tariffs on China started at 20%, then increased to 54%, then to 104%, 125%, and finally reached 145%.

The Chinese side responded firmly, imposing additional tariffs besides implementing export controls on multiple rare earth-related items.

Regarding the reports about "Trump pressuring other countries to isolate China," a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce recently stated that the U.S. action is essentially promoting hegemonic politics in the economic sphere and implementing unilateral bullying under the guise of "reciprocity." Appeasing others does not bring peace, and compromise does not earn respect. Sacrificing others' interests for one's own temporary private gains is akin to seeking a tiger's skin, ultimately leading to mutual losses without any benefit.

The spokesperson emphasized that China firmly opposes any transaction that sacrifices Chinese interests. If such a situation arises, China will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely retaliate equally. China has the determination and capability to safeguard its own rights and interests.

From April 25 to 27, the "Shanghai Forum 2025" annual meeting was held at the Shanghai International Convention Center and Fudan University.

This year's forum, themed "The Era of Innovation: Technology, Development, Governance," invited over 500 guests and representatives from think tanks, universities, governments, enterprises, media, and other institutions across more than 50 countries and regions to discuss global common challenges and explore more inclusive and equitable future paths for Asia and the world.

This article is an exclusive piece by the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498999381191115314/

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