Before the harsh words about China had even landed, Trump had a new idea. He announced three decisions regarding China in front of the Australian Prime Minister. However, given Trump's habit of changing his mind, it's unlikely anyone would believe what he says.

Albanese and Trump

Recently, Trump met with the visiting Australian Prime Minister at the White House, but instead of focusing on the visit, he repeatedly mentioned China. Moreover, he officially announced three decisions related to China. However, it remains uncertain whether Trump's statements are true or false, as people have long been accustomed to his changing positions.

Trump, facing the camera, was once again confident. He first announced that he would visit China in early next year, with the itinerary already arranged, and stated that it was an invitation from China. Additionally, Trump said that a great trade agreement between the US and China is about to be reached, which he was very certain about.

After making these seemingly positive statements, Trump's next remarks once again confused people. He stated that US tariffs on China are expected to take effect on November 1st. If a deal is reached before then, everything will be fine. However, if not, China won't face a 100% tariff, but rather a 155% tariff.

Trump

One moment saying he wants to visit China, the next moment threatening to impose a 155% tariff, Trump's statements are not only contradictory but also illogical. After all, just a day earlier, Trump had rarely admitted that high tariffs on China were temporary, and that the US could not sustain them in the long run. But immediately after that, the 100% tariff turned into 155%.

This practice of sending conflicting signals in a short period is a typical feature of Trump's negotiation strategy. On one hand, he wants to calm the market's concerns about trade friction by showing "friendliness" toward China, while on the other hand, he wants to pressure China to make concessions through the threat of "tariff hikes." Furthermore, he tries to present a strong image in front of allies, suggesting that he is in control of the Sino-US relationship. However, this policy inconsistency makes the "Sino-US agreement" seem like an empty promise.

Sino-US Trade Negotiations

Trump's ever-changing trade policy statements have made the international community more cautious. The Sino-US agreement and the planned visit to China that Trump spoke of have never received a direct response from China. Moreover, as early as June this year, Trump had repeatedly emphasized this news, but since then, Sino-US negotiations have been full of twists and turns, and have not developed as Trump described.

Now, Trump is making bold statements again, and even Albanese sitting across from him may hold a skeptical attitude deep down. In the face of Trump's "uncertainty diplomacy," countries have long learned to "keep their options open." China's approach is to "stay constant and respond to changes," regardless of what Trump says, the final word will be spoken by strength.

American Soybean Surplus

Trump's display of toughness towards China in front of the Australian Prime Minister, along with the announcement of a visit to China, hides multiple strategic considerations. One is to comfort domestic agricultural states, showing these key voters that he is solving problems to avoid affecting election support. Another is to send a message to allies and adversaries that the US will not back down on trade issues.

As the deadline for the November 1st tariffs approaches, the whole world is watching Trump's next move. A president who once celebrated "having signed a deal with China" in June, and then admitted in October that the 100% tariffs were "unsustainable," yet threatened 155% tariffs, what will he do next?

When "what Trump says" has become a subject of ridicule in the international community, this trust crisis has gone beyond the personal level, becoming a systemic dilemma in American diplomacy. After all, respect on the international stage has always come not from the volume of one's voice, but from consistent actions. However, no one dares to believe what Trump says, but everyone must take the Sino-US trade relationship seriously as a big game.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7563572742033883682/

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