Title: The Struggle for Supremacy: Can Trump Halt China’s Global Ascent?

 

As tensions escalate between the United States and China, it has become increasingly clear that the Trump administration is facing an uphill battle to prevent Beijing from eclipsing America as the dominant global power. From economics to military strength and diplomatic influence, China is mounting a formidable challenge on every front. The past week has only underscored the scale and urgency of this confrontation, leaving many to wonder whether Trump's aggressive approach can truly reverse the tide.

 

 

President Trump’s administration has zeroed in on America’s trade deficit with China, which topped $295 billion last year, as a symbol of declining U.S. dominance. However, efforts to address this imbalance have exposed the complexity of the broader geopolitical struggle. There was once a belief that China's internal economic pressures would restrain its hand in a full-blown trade war. That assumption has been decisively shattered.

 

 

On Wednesday, the White House paused most of its tariffs for 90 days but simultaneously hiked duties on Chinese imports to 145 percent. China responded with its own 125 percent tariff on U.S. goods. The Chinese commerce ministry declared, “The blackmailing nature of the US… China will never accept this… China will fight to the end.” Despite the massive scale of exports to the U.S., those sales account for just 2 percent of China's GDP, giving Beijing room to maneuver.

 

 

The economic front is only one battlefield. The U.S. debt market faced its worst day in four decades as investors from Japan and Europe offloaded American bonds. Though China wasn’t behind the sell-off, the event was a stark reminder of its leverage. With over $750 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds, China holds 2.6 percent of America’s staggering $36 trillion federal debt. George Saravelos of Deutsche Bank warned, “The next phase risks being an outright financial war involving Chinese ownership of US assets both on the official and private sector front… the loser will be the global economy.”

 

 

Military developments are equally unsettling. Chinese naval exercises near Taiwan have become increasingly routine, suggesting the capacity for a swift blockade. Rear Admiral Mike Studeman, former head of the Pentagon’s office of naval intelligence, remarked, “The Chinese very well could prevail in any number of different contingencies” against the U.S. Navy. He noted, “They’re every bit a peer,” and criticized America's failure to recognize China’s systematic transformation of potential into power.

 

 

Shipbuilding illustrates the disparity. In 2024, Chinese shipyards launched over 250 vessels, dwarfing the five produced in the U.S. That single year’s output from China surpassed the total American shipbuilding since 1945. China now fields more major warships and submarines than the U.S., having added 29 new vessels over the past decade. “May be the next step for China,” said Nick Childs of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, referring to a potential buildup of Chinese submarines. He added that collaboration with Russia could help China develop quieter, more advanced subs. “That’s a big concern.”

 

 

Despite U.S. efforts, such as new partnerships with South Korean shipbuilders and executive orders aimed at revitalizing domestic production, real gains remain distant. Simultaneously, tariffs have strained ties with key Pacific allies like Japan and South Korea, leaving Washington vulnerable to diplomatic losses. “I think we’re blowing whatever advantages we had,” said Studeman, stressing the need for strategic unity.

 

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned European leaders that Chinese goods taxed out of American markets would soon target Europe: “Guess where they’re going to land? On European shores.” Yet, the EU’s response has been cautious. Though it recently raised tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, it has resisted broader Trump-style measures and is now preparing for talks in Beijing to soften the blow of U.S. actions.

 

While Trump officials insist their plan is on course, the situation remains fraught. New trade barriers threaten global commerce, and America's long-standing supremacy is under siege. The reality is that despite years of efforts by both Trump and Biden administrations, America's grip is loosening as China's momentum accelerates. Even if Beijing chooses to compromise on trade, the broader shift in power seems inevitable. The cost of stalling China’s rise may be global economic disruption — and the results, if they come, will take years to materialize.

 

Based on a report by The Times  2025-04-16

 

 

In short, no.

 

The USA has been restricting China's rise with the help of friends and allies; but now that Trump has declared war on the USA's friends and allies ....

Biden 4-year weaponizes USD and SWIFT against Russia,   and failed.  Russia is standing OK. 

Trump 100-Day so far weaponizes Tariff against China and the rest,  and still on-going. 

Trump intent at the beginning was using tariff to gain against every countries,  so he put down 20% tariff on EU,  20+% on Japan, India,  S Korea -- unexpected for these dozens countries.

Eventually he ran into trouble,  changed course to  USA Vs China trade war.  

 

Undeniably that Trump and various "Yes men" under him had badly managed the tariff issue in the past two weeks. 

Typical China propaganda piece.

 

But Im not clear: How many nuclear attack subs does China have? How many boomers?

 

Where is the discusssion of the unemployment issue?

 

Are the figures mentioned therein from Chinese sources?

3 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Typical China propaganda piece.

 

But Im not clear: How many nuclear attack subs does China have? How many boomers?

 

Where is the discusssion of the unemployment issue?

 

Are the figures mentioned therein from Chinese sources?

 

The article was written by Mark Urban, a British journalist and military historian, who is a long way from being a Chinese propagandist.

 

The data quoted comes from reputable Western sources.

 

The full article plus comments- which are more damning of Trump's actions than this synopsis - can be viewed here: 

 

https://www.thetimes.com/article/669bd10b-95d6-4dc6-8ad9-06e9145da1a4?shareToken=fbb0eac08330c50b1f7cd3d9db1b412a

tit for tat means US goods are now more expensive, in most of the world, whilst Chinese goods are not. That should help.

1 hour ago, RayC said:

 

The article was written by Mark Urban, a British journalist and military historian, who is a long way from being a Chinese propagandist.

 

The data quoted comes from reputable Western sources.

 

The full article plus comments- which are more damning of Trump's actions than this synopsis - can be viewed here: 

 

https://www.thetimes.com/article/669bd10b-95d6-4dc6-8ad9-06e9145da1a4?shareToken=fbb0eac08330c50b1f7cd3d9db1b412a

4 words. Temu. Shein De Minimus

https://spectator.org/the-glorious-impending-death-of-temu/

Watch their unemployment rate rise

1 hour ago, Dionigi said:

tit for tat means US goods are now more expensive, in most of the world, whilst Chinese goods are not. That should help.

Thank for sharing the full article LOL

10 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

4 words. Temu. Shein De Minimus

https://spectator.org/the-glorious-impending-death-of-temu/

 

One word: Deflection.

 

Btw: l was initially shocked to discover that such a poor, shallow piece of journalism was published in 'The Spectator'. Fortunately, I quickly realised that the source is not 'THE Spectator' but 'The AMERICAN Spectator'.

 

10 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Watch their unemployment rate rise

Thank for sharing the full article LOL

 

You're welcome but why the LOL?

 

Re unemployment: Maybe China's unemployment rate will increase, but then so too might the US's (and other nations') as Trump's foolhardy policies wrt international trade take effect.

44 minutes ago, RayC said:

Maybe China's unemployment rate will increase,

whats the rate now?

China has way more problems internally than anyone knows... CCP is done, as the Chinese people are pissed-off with what is going on right now.

4 hours ago, Yagoda said:

whats the rate now?

 

 

 

I don't know. Why ask me? You're the one who raised the issue. It's up to you to supply the data and put forward an argument showing why it is relevant.

No. China holds most of the cards, and there are multiple ways they could cripple the US. And Trump is handing them a golden opportunity to become the moral authority, now that this no longer exists in the US under Trump. 

 

The degree to which he is miscalculating this equation could take decades to read, and by then the US will be fairly irrelevant. Which may be a good thing. To say the arrogant goon has over reached would be a staggering understatement. 

4 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

China has way more problems internally than anyone knows... CCP is done, as the Chinese people are pissed-off with what is going on right now.

Exactly the same thing could be said about Trump and MAGA. 

6 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Exactly the same thing could be said about Trump and MAGA. 

 

6 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

No. China holds most of the cards, and there are multiple ways they could cripple the US. And Trump is handing them a golden opportunity to become the moral authority, now that this no longer exists in the US under Trump. 

 

The degree to which he is miscalculating this equation could take decades to read, and by then the US will be fairly irrelevant. Which may be a good thing. To say the arrogant goon has over reached would be a staggering understatement. 

Can't let it go after almost 40 years huh. He must have really stuck it to you in that deal.

Well America, start building again. You did it in the past wartime era, so you can definitely do it again and get that unemployment rate down. So it costs more. Such as life. You have to pay to play. 

On 4/16/2025 at 10:03 AM, JimHuaHin said:

In short, no.

 

The USA has been restricting China's rise with the help of friends and allies; but now that Trump has declared war on the USA's friends and allies ....

Obama smartly tried to surround China with two essential trade agreements: the TTIP with the EU and the TPP with Asian countries.

Of course, Trump 1.0 stupidly trashed them! 

It took nearly 50 years to achieve reasonable trade policy stability, from the creation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1947 to the World Trade Organisation in 1995.

 

Why assume it will not take as long to clean up Trump’s mess?

 

In the meantime, the uncertainty he has created cannot be undone, even if he backs down completely. Not even his removal from office or the election of a President in 2028 committed to the old Washington Consensus will entirely reverse the harm he has caused in two weeks since his “Liberation Day” — April 2.

 

No one can be confident investing when the antics of the world’s most powerful individual can move financial markets 10% on any given day and with the US delivering such sudden, radical and irrational policy swings and appearing at risk of autocracy.

Trump picked the softest target --  Japan -- in starting the trade negotiation with multiple countries within 90 days. 

 

Can easily guess the terms imposed on Japan in order to reduce Japan tariff from 24% to whatever,  10% or even 0.  

 

*** Just do all the followings 

/    Increase Japan holding of USA treasuries Bonds by very significant margin. 

/   Increase Japan defense budget to X% of GDP (  7% or higher please ) 

/    Set up additional Japan tariff scheme against Chinese goods  

/    Fund new investment to USA to finance Hollywood, USA auto industries, USA Space Industries etc,  by at least trillion USD.  

/   Restrict your export to China 

/

/  

 

Eventually Japan to sign the "Surrender" document,   and Minutes later  Trump to declare MAGA .......

 

 

16 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

China has way more problems internally than anyone knows... CCP is done, as the Chinese people are pissed-off with what is going on right now.

Wow. You know more than everyone else? Lol. The only part of your post that’s accurate is that the Chinese people are pissed off. At Trump…

Trumpm and his clown show should realise that USA only takes 15% of Chinas exports. That means other countries account for 85%.Loosing all of the USA market would be like cutting a finger nail. It will be grown back within a few weeks. Trump has put himself in a no win position as well as setting most other countries against him.His ego and ignorance will not let him be rational.The GOP will go down the drain with him and if the Dems get the control of the house and senate in the mid terms Trump will be impeached,the GOP will not try to protect him this time around because all the sitting members will be trying to save themselves for the next election.

8 hours ago, Gweiloman said:

Wow. You know more than everyone else? Lol. The only part of your post that’s accurate is that the Chinese people are pissed off. At Trump…

 

Nice pro-CCP nonsense post. Are you one of those people they are paying to promote the CCP/China, like many on this forum? Lol.

20 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

No. China holds most of the cards, and there are multiple ways they could cripple the US. And Trump is handing them a golden opportunity to become the moral authority, now that this no longer exists in the US under Trump. 

 

The degree to which he is miscalculating this equation could take decades to read, and by then the US will be fairly irrelevant. Which may be a good thing. To say the arrogant goon has over reached would be a staggering understatement. 

 

I thought you were not a CCP bot apologist... but looks like you are losing cred on that post. How much is the CCP paying you and others on this forum to push CCP propaganda and their narrative? Lol... happening everywhere on social media, including Youtube... facepalm.

On 4/15/2025 at 7:08 PM, Social Media said:

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned European leaders that Chinese goods taxed out of American markets would soon target Europe: “Guess where they’re going to land? On European shores.” Yet, the EU’s response has been cautious. Though it recently raised tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, it has resisted broader Trump-style measures and is now preparing for talks in Beijing to soften the blow of U.S. actions.

Traitors! We defended you and rebuilt you twice and when the time has come for you to grow a pair and live up to your end you run to China waving white flags? Seriously?

This will be a VERY interesting meeting at the white house today with Giorgia Meloni reping for trade agreements for the EU.

Brings up flashbacks of Dec. 7th, 1941 where Japan had an envoy sitting in the white house with a peace proposal while Pearl Harbor was attacked.

1 hour ago, Sir Dude said:

 

I thought you were not a CCP bot apologist... but looks like you are losing cred on that post. How much is the CCP paying you and others on this forum to push CCP propaganda and their narrative? Lol... happening everywhere on social media, including Youtube... facepalm.

You just can't handle the facts? So you have to resort to Trump style name calling? Very juvy. 

 

Do some research. It will surprise you. Trump is NOT in a strong position with China. 

In 10-15 years China is world dominant..  USA, Russia, Europe will be a distant 2nd. China will have invaded Taiwan, will have naval bases in many Asian countries, and be propping up many African governments with money and business. The Belt and Road plan will  reach to Europe with tentacles to Africa and the whole of the Pacific. Could go on, but that's the drift of the future.

On 4/16/2025 at 8:01 PM, Sir Dude said:

China has way more problems internally than anyone knows... CCP is done, as the Chinese people are pissed-off with what is going on right now.

If China has way more problems internally than anyone knows.

 

How do you know what is going on?

22 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

No. China holds most of the cards

 

No, it really doesn't. Trump can derail China. For a start, China's biggest export market is the US, 400 billion USD worth. Global demand for Chinese goods is limited, it is not infinite. Apart from the EU there is no other market like the US.

 

Secondly, the USA's purchasing power is like 89000 USD, China's is 15000 USD. 

 

Thirdly, China has a huge problem with its women, who are refusing to have children. Thus, the prevalence of old people in China and the problem of pension and services.

 

Unemployment is a problem in China. So is the real estate crisis.

 

Taking away 400 billion USD  of market is a huge problem for China. China, after all is an export nation that relies on its trading partners to buy its products.

 

It might just be possible that Trump will succeed where Britain failed. When Britain cut down its competition, Germany, it cut off its own nose in the process. However, Trump is not going to war. He is going to bring down China economically. He may just be able to do it.

 Look at how China is retaliating now  just imagine if this goes on for another 10 year  then I don't think  US will have any  chips  left to counter China .  

 

It is now or never for US 

26 minutes ago, anotherexpat4444 said:

 Look at how China is retaliating now  just imagine if this goes on for another 10 year  then I don't think  US will have any  chips  left to counter China .  

 

It is now or never for US 

 

The US has a large number of chipmakers who produce chips in the US. Those US chipmakers who outsource to Taiwan will not be affected by tariffs, as the country of origin will be Taiwan.

4 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

The US has a large number of chipmakers who produce chips in the US. Those US chipmakers who outsource to Taiwan will not be affected by tariffs, as the country of origin will be Taiwan.

I don't think  Trump is trying to  hurt china that  he worries much on this .     But Taiwan need to pay more for defense.