Amidst tariff turmoil, China stands firm as US credibility wavers

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on "reciprocal tariffs" at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., the U.S., April 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

By Li Jiaming

U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt imposition of the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," an extension of his "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) agenda, sent shockwaves across the global economic landscape. This move, framed domestically as a necessary measure, has been swiftly met with international condemnation and triggered a cascade of retaliatory actions, starkly revealing the erosion of U.S. credibility on the global stage.

The immediate aftermath of the tariff announcement saw key U.S. trading partners – the EU, Canada and China – implement counter-tariffs on American goods. This reciprocal action underscored the deep anxiety and perception of economic coercion felt by these nations. The coordinated response signals a united front against what many view as a unilateral and protectionist assault on established international trade norms. This departure from multilateralism and the embrace of aggressive unilateralism by the U.S. administration has fostered an environment of distrust and instability in the global economic order.

The damage to America's international standing is swift and significant. The Ipsos poll cited in the original article, revealing a decline in the U.S.'s international image in 26 out of 29 surveyed countries within a mere six months, provides stark empirical evidence of this erosion. The dramatic drop in positive sentiment even among close allies like Canada, where approval ratings plummeted from over 50 percent to a mere 19 percent, underscores the profound disillusionment with the U.S.'s new trade policies. This loss of trust extends beyond mere public opinion, potentially impacting diplomatic relations and long-term strategic alliances.

Nations are increasingly questioning the reliability and predictability of the U.S. as a partner, leading to a recalibration of international relationships and a search for alternative frameworks of cooperation.

The projected economic fallout has further amplified the international outcry. Research from JP Morgan paints a grim picture of global recession and a significant contraction in international trade volumes.

A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the U.S., April 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

These warnings highlight the interconnected nature of the global economy and the detrimental consequences of protectionist policies that disrupt established supply chains and dampen consumer confidence worldwide. The sharp decline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 immediately following the tariff announcement served as a stark reminder of the domestic economic vulnerabilities and the potential for self-inflicted harm through such policies.

In stark contrast to the perceived unilateralism and disregard for international norms exhibited by the U.S., China's response emphasizes a commitment to principle and a more inclusive vision of global economic governance. Chinese Foreign Ministry's video, with its pointed reference to the "eye of the storm" and the assertion that "bowing to a bully is like drinking poison to quench thirst," clearly articulates China's unwavering stance against what it views as hegemonic acts. It aims to tell the international audience that China stands to defend the international order against unilateralism.

China's measured response of tit-for-tat tariffs, coupled with an open invitation for dialogue, showcased a strategic approach that combined firmness with a commitment to peaceful resolution. This contrasts sharply with the U.S. administration's confrontational stance.

Furthermore, China's proactive efforts to foster greater global economic inclusion, such as eliminating tariffs for 43 least-developed countries and strengthening ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the EU and the Global South, present an alternative model of international cooperation based on shared opportunities rather than zero-sum competition. This outreach has positioned China as a reliable partner committed to mutual benefit and a more equitable global economic order.

Domestically, China's focus on strengthening its internal economy through measures like the updated tax refund policy for foreign tourists and the new law to support the private sector demonstrates a commitment to long-term sustainable growth and a welcoming environment for international engagement. These internal reforms, undertaken amidst the external tariff pressures, underscore China's resilience and its focus on creating a stable and attractive economic environment.

By responding firmly to the U.S. tariffs while simultaneously advocating for dialogue and strengthening international partnerships, China seeks to position itself as a responsible global actor upholding the principles of multilateralism and mutual respect in the face of unilateral aggression.

This stance resonates with many nations who view the U.S. tariff policy as a destabilizing force in the global order, further highlighting the erosion of U.S. credibility and implicitly underscoring the perceived moral high ground adopted by China.

In conclusion, the U.S. tariff storm has triggered a significant international backlash, severely damaging its global reputation and raising concerns about its reliability as a partner. In contrast, China's measured yet firm response, coupled with its emphasis on dialogue, multilateralism and internal economic strengthening, presents an alternative vision of global economic governance rooted in the principle of shared prosperity and mutual respect. This contrast highlights the perceived value of China's commitment to these principles in a world increasingly fractured by unilateral actions.

Li Jiaming, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a Beijing-based international affairs commentator.