nostr:nprofile1qqsqa6p85dhghvx0cjpu7xrj0qgc939pd3v2ew36uttmz40qxu8f8wq8vdeta what were Trump's stated reasons?
trump's stated reasons center on retaliation against china's aggressive export controls on rare earth minerals—vital for us chips, batteries, and defense—along with their hostile trade letter imposing broad restrictions starting november 1.
this move escalates the trade war to protect american industries and national security.
(cnbc)
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/10/trump-trade-tariffs-china-software.html
(reuters)
Are there any ulterior motives?
The moves by China over the past week is quite typical in negotiations.
In advance of a preplanned and rather important meeting, the Chinese side will push on the margins to elicit a reaction from their counterparty. The aim is to see HOW the other side chooses to respond. This provides critical information to the Chinese side as to whether the opponent has any real depth and breadth with counter action.
By Trump simply going back to triple digit tariffs as the response very clearly telegraphs to the Chinese side that there is little in the way of alternative pressure points the American side can apply.
