As soon as Biden's threat fell, China threw away tens of billions of US bonds, and Blinken first found three chips before visiting China
Recently, President Biden's remarks caused an uproar. At his rally in Pittsburgh, he vowed to triple tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products and to curb the transit of Chinese steel and aluminum products to the United States through neighboring countries. This is not just a tariff issue, but also an escalation of the trade war between China and the United States. At the same time, China has reacted strongly, including by imposing anti-dumping measures on a U.S. product and continuing to reduce its holdings of U.S. bonds. In this series of actions, Blinken is about to visit China, how will his chips and his actions affect this escalating economic confrontation?
In January, China's holdings of U.S. Treasuries fell to $775 billion, the lowest since 2009, and that number continues to decline. This reduction is clearly a silent pressure strategy on the United States. At the same time, the Biden administration's debt continues to rise and it has to pay ever-higher monthly interest, which undoubtedly puts more pressure on the U.S. economy.
At a rally in Pittsburgh, Biden announced plans to triple tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products. This is not just tariffs on products, Biden also made a special emphasis on preventing Chinese steel and aluminum from being transshipped into the U.S. market through neighboring countries such as Mexico. This strategy is clearly aimed at protecting domestic industries, especially as elections approach, and Biden clearly hopes to win voters' support through tough trade policies.
China reacted quickly and toughly. Almost at the same time as Biden's voice fell, China took temporary anti-dumping measures against U.S. propionic acid and sent a strong signal through the state media. This-for-tat approach has given the outside world a sense of tension over the possible further escalation of the trade war between China and the United States.
At the same time, Blinken's visit to China is already on the way. As U.S. secretary of state, Blinken's visit to China was seen as an attempt to find some détente in the tense U.S.-China relationship. Blinken didn't come empty-handed. Among his chips are issues in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, as well as U.S. accusations of China's role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Blinken is trying to use those chips to get a good position at the negotiating table.
In particular, on the Taiwan Strait issue, along with the changes in Taiwan's political situation, the United States has frequently expressed its position through military actions, including the passage of military aircraft through the Taiwan Strait. This behavior is not only a political pressure on China, but also a signal to the incoming leader of Taiwan.
The South China Sea issue is equally thorny. The United States has frequently conducted joint military exercises with countries including Japan and Australia, with the intention of influencing the strategic balance in the region through its military presence. The waters of the South China Sea are complex and volatile due to the interests of many countries, and the involvement of the United States has undoubtedly further complicated the situation.
As the date of Blinken's visit to China approaches, there is a lot of speculation about the outcome of the visit. After all, the current Sino-US relationship can be described as stormy. From trade to security, from technology to human rights, the areas of friction between the two sides seem to be expanding. Whether Blinken's trip can bring some form of relief to these tensions is seen as a major test of the current international political situation.
Blinken's chips are particularly important. In addition to the issues in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, the United States has many accusations against China for other actions in the international arena. For example, the U.S. government has expressed concerns about China's role in handling the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The United States accuses China of not taking a stand on Russia's aggression internationally and even providing economic support. This is certainly a topic that cannot be avoided in Blinken's talks with Chinese officials.
For China, although it is facing international pressure, it is also actively looking for ways to deal with it. China has not only taken a series of countermeasures in the economic field, such as anti-dumping measures and reducing its holdings of US debt, but has also strengthened its position through diplomatic and military means. China's military buildup in the South China Sea shows no signs of stopping, and it is also seeking more partners internationally, especially among developing countries.
The background of all this makes Blinken's visit even more uncertain. Both sides have positions that need to be upheld, and both sides are unwilling to make concessions. In the arena of international politics, it is often necessary to find a breakthrough in solving problems through exchanges and negotiations. Whether Blinken's trip can be such an opportunity is closely watched by the outside world.
What does this possible escalation of the trade war mean for ordinary people? The possible economic implications are enormous. Everything from commodity prices to the stability of international transactions, from jobs to the cost of living, can be affected. This is a problem that every ordinary person cannot stay out of it.
Blinken's visit to China is not only an occasion for political wrangling, but also an important point in shaping the global economic landscape in the coming years. From this point of view, every detail can affect everyone's life. Therefore, it is not just a matter between two countries, but also a matter of vital interest for everyone. How to maintain balance and find the possibility of win-win in this complex international arena is a test for every participant. The results of Blinken's visit will undoubtedly become an important indicator for judging the temperature of international relations for some time to come.