China Escalates Trade War Response with 'Wartime Footing' and Global Outreach

Beijing abandons cooperative trade efforts, mobilizing officials, amplifying propaganda, and seeking alliances to counter U.S. tariffs.

Chinese government officials have been placed on 'wartime footing,' instructed to cancel vacations and maintain constant communication as part of a coordinated response to U.S. tariffs.
Beijing has launched a diplomatic charm offensive, engaging other governments affected by U.S. trade policies and advocating for a united pushback against American tariffs.
Propaganda efforts feature defiant historical imagery, including Mao Zedong's declaration that 'we will never yield,' to rally domestic support and reinforce national resilience.
China’s shift to an all-of-government strategy marks a departure from its previous 'win-win' trade policy, reflecting a more combative stance against U.S. measures.
Drawing on lessons from earlier trade disputes, China has implemented swift retaliatory measures, including high tariffs and restrictions on U.S. companies, signaling a new phase in the trade conflict.