The View | Why Trump’s trade war is pushing China to become smarter and stronger, faster
- Richard Harris says Donald Trump’s trade war on China found an echo around the Western world, where even Hong Kong investment is suspect now. But, on balance, he is doing China a favour by pushing it to become more self-sufficient
It was hilarious to watch world leaders jockey for position for the “family photo” at the G20 summit in Argentina last week. Wielding huge power and bulging with oversized egos, these normally self-assured individuals behaved like primary school kids on their first day, scrambling to stand next to someone they like.
The final communiqués at these lovefests must usually be written beforehand for anything to be agreed. Trump is the exception. He likes one-on-ones. He is a professional deal maker in a way that does not come easily to politicians. So, the big meeting between President Xi Jinping and Trump was always going to produce a result. About the only thing we are sure of now is that there will be a tariff truce until March – but that is just what Trump wants; it gives the other side enough pressurised breathing space to move its position without losing face.
