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Trump threatens huge new tariffs on China if Xi doesn't meet with him

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By Sebastian Smith

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Trump threatens huge new tariffs on China if Xi doesn't meet with him

Trump is a fool. He issues an ultimatum and expects Xi to comply? That would be unacceptable loss of face for Xi and a huge insult to the Chinese nation. If he did so it would seriously damage Xi's ability to continue as head of state. Expect nothing but defiance, China will not allow itself to be seen as a minor power responding to the whims of an idiot.

9 ( +16 / -7 )

So what happens when Xi shows up? Doesn’t mean anything and already agreed to months ago like liberals claim with the Mexico deal?

-13 ( +5 / -18 )

when the other side (China) has been cheating for decades their threats don't carry much weight. It's like threatening "We will cheat more!" US always wins.

-11 ( +6 / -17 )

If I were Xi, he should just tell the media that Trump seems be the one who wants to meet him so badly, and then proceeds to cancel the meeting for more "important reasons."

Everyone knows he'd probably put tariffs on the $300B goods anyway, which Trump still won't understand that it's a tax on his own people.

Could you imagine how Trump would feel if he's being snubbed for, let's say, Justin Trudeau?

8 ( +10 / -2 )

How can a businessman be this economically illiterate?

First of all, China has already overtaken the US as the largest economy on PPP basis, which is the only basis that actually matters, in economics, it's called ''REAL GDP'' for a reason, because it measures the real size of the economy adjusted for the consumer prices of the country.

Even if China cut its economic growth on half, it would still grow faster than America and still overtake America within a couple of years for two reasons. 1 is because they are an industrial giant. They produce stuff. They manufacture everything. America doesn't produce anything anymore. Even their military parts are imported from China. You cannot be a military superpower if you're not an industrial one, and America is not anymore. 2 is because they are literally still only half way developed, which tells you how much more room for growth they have. Currently China is about 60% urbanized, wheres America is over 90%. Each year, millions of rural Chinese move to the big cities to enter the labor market. New cities get built every year, existing cities expand. What is happening in China right now is similar to what happened in America in the early 20th century when millions upon millions of immigrants from Europe and around the world immigrated to America. The economy boomed with all that new labor. Same is happening in China right now. Right now, they have about 400 million people mostly living on their coastal provinces that make up about 30K a year US dollars, which puts them in the middle class. And that's less than half their provinces. The manufacturing is currently moving from the rich coastal provinces into the inner provinces, while the coastal provinces are moving into a more services sector or high end production value jobs. It is estimated that within 40 years, China's economy will be larger than America and Europe put together.

Also, trade is not a zero sum game. It's a win-win game. You cannot win on trade unless you have a mercantilistic mentality and think exports means winning. For every economy the ideal situation is to import as much as possible and export as little as possible. Is it not a common sense that you want to GET as much stuff as you can and GIVE as little as possible? You only export to pay for the stuff you import. Trump thinks the economy is a number, but it's not. The economy is all the people living in the country. People benefit by being able to buy cheap stuff, they don't care where they buy it from.

Trade deficit is not an issue, and is certainly not their fault for being so productive that they have too many things to export. The dollars that the Chinese get from selling to Americans are re-invested back into America one way or another, so that benefits Americans in other sectors of the economy. It's the same of the seen vs the unseen.

Intellectual property theft is another subject, it's not related to trade or winning in trade.

It's really ironic how blustering Trump is against China without seemingly realizing that China is propping up the American government by buying US treasuries, and literally supporting the American middle class with affordable goods. They can tank the US dollar over night if they sell all those dollars. China having a weak currency is bad for China and good for America. Strong currency is good for China and bad for America. He doesn't understand any of that. He is clueless and illiterate.

You can't blame Trump for lying so much, you have to blame the people who fall for it. As long as there are suckers, there will be scammers.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

 Now "they'll never catch us."

Lolololololololololoololololololol

Pretty sure that ship sailed a long long time ago. While uncle sam was off 'spreading democracy' the dragon dug in its heels and worked hard to supplant sam as the big dog. Best to accept the end is nigh

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Tariffs didn't work with Melania now living in Maryland and they won't work with Xi.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Is it just me, or do others hear

I want

I want

I want

like a 4 yr old, the more he talks?

6 ( +10 / -4 )

I want

I want

I want

Would you expect anything else from a man who has never had people saying no to him throughout his life?

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Well the irony, President Xi Jinping has finally reached the point of no return, an adversary In the shape of U.S. President Donald Trump as belligerent and uncompromising as the government of China deserves.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Does Trump have any other tactics besides tariffs? Seems like he's a one trick pony.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

What a powerful move. He’s calling Xi. The balls in Xie’s court.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

Northernlife: China cannot sell or even stop buying the US debt. It will destabilize the world’s economy. Trump knows that.

Almost all eggs are in the proverbial basket.

All China can do is let the situation rot and wait for the next president.

US at this point has to give subsidies left and right to keep the economy up and tariffs not hurting its own economy.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I'm glad Trump is holding China's feet to the fire; the intellectual property stuff has to end. But this was a bad move because to save face the Chinese president now pretty much has to skip the meeting.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I'll buy that for a dollar!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

I'm glad Trump is holding China's feet to the fire; the intellectual property stuff has to end. But this was a bad move because to save face the Chinese president now pretty much has to skip the meeting.

Unfortunatley, Trump only knows leverage, and has never been in a position where he wasn't extremely advantaged, and therefore he does not know how to bargain from a position of equality. No one who has any clue what they are talking about would ever recommend an ultimatum from a position of equality, or anything near it.

Once again Trump showing he isn't competent enough to do the job well.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

OMG. Everyone wants to meet Xi. Abe has been working on it for the last 5 years, hopefully he will get some time, a few minutes please.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

all the negative comments here about Trumps approach, surely to be changed or denied when what he is doing works.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

surely to be changed or denied when what he is doing works.

Go ahead and wake us when that happens.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

all the negative comments here about Trumps approach, surely to be changed or denied when what he is doing works.

You people will claim he won no matter what outcome, even if it’s the worst possible outcome that could be imagined. So your whining that we won’t change our comments when you proclaim some ridiculous bubble theory of his “winning” is just being realistic. Of course we’re not going to be stupid enough to believe the bubble’s claims of winning.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

US always wins.

lol yeah thats a good one , like all the wars theyve won in the last 60yrs.

China will pass the US in economic size with or without America, every country in the world would have to stop trading with China for it not too happen and majority wont because they dont wont to be shut out of the huge Chinese market.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I'll buy that for a dollar!

actually you wont itll be $1.25 or $1.50 soon.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

surely to be changed or denied when what he is doing works.

and if it doesnt work itll "surely to be changed or denied" as thats how Trumpsters roll

5 ( +5 / -0 )

What a powerful move. He’s calling Xi. The balls in Xie’s court.

yes it is he may just start selling off US debt now, weel see how the US economy fairs when that starts to happen. Trump is playing a very dangerous game

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Does Trump have any other tactics besides tariffs? Seems like he's a one trick pony.

actually hes also good at declaring bankruptcy as he lets him avoid paying his bill.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

There has to be consensus, the so called rules have to apply without fear for favour.

There is little to disagree that Donald Trump is inclined to the realestator blustering blunt instrument approach. However the Government of China is refusing to adhere or be subject to recognized trade rules, laws or regulations.

The Government have created and designed policies that limit market access and create an environment to steal intellectual property to circumvent years of costly research and development.

Questions in the areas of over capacity and direct government subsidies ned to be urgently addressed. There has to be a concerted global effort to force change. This issue has nothing and should not be personalised to a dislike of Donald Trump.

There needs to be swingeing political/economic tariffs and sanctions taken out against the Chinese Government if the Government of China won't create or abide by an even playing field.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Well, it's becoming ever clearer why this idiot lost over $1 Billion over 10 years and has had 6 bankruptcies - he has no idea how to reach a successful deal. In business, and more importantly in diplomacy, you have to work to reach a "win-win" solution.

He hasn't the faintest idea how to do that. He negotiates like a two-year old. He's doing his best to ruin our economy and his tariffs will put more Americans out of work.

But the Top 1% and Wall St fat cats sure like those tax breaks....

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Trump lied. He said we would get tired of winning. We're not tired of winning!

Just imagine what this country could have accomplished if the entire government would have been behind Trump from the beginning of his presidency.

Again, have no illusions - China needs us more than we need them.

Tariffs work. Trump is doing the right thing.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

There needs to be swingeing political/economic tariffs and sanctions taken out against the Chinese Government 

goodluck with that and getting the rest of the world to agree. Most sane nations dont want to be shut out of the Chinese economy

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Just imagine what this country could have accomplished if the entire government would have been behind Trump from the beginning of his presidency.

same could be said of Obama, imagine if the republicans were on board with Obama imagine what America could have accomplished then.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Again, have no illusions - China needs us more than we need them.

thats what people fail to understand , Chinese exports account for about 20% of its GDP so about 80% of its GDP is domestic . Of the 20% exports about 20% are shipped to the US, so Chinese exports to the US account for about 4% of its entire GDP. Yes while it may hurt the Chinese economy it certainly isnt the death blow that Trump and his minions seem to think it is. The Chinese domestic market is 4 times larger than its exports and growing fast, itll take a moron who wants to be shut off from that .

2 ( +2 / -0 )

wtfjapan

Companies are shut out, totally, if I want to sell my IT/financial products, encryption systems. I have to hand all my research and encryption key technology, hardware over to a Chinese subsidiary.

Or else I cannot do business in China. My investors/customers have entrusted my business over the past 6 years alone with close to $400 million dollars, that is not an exaggeration.

I cannot without absolute guarantees of trust allow valuable research and development be at risk of intellectual property theft.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

All countries should heavy tariffs on imported goods to promote local products. However, it shouldn’t be used to threaten other countries.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

And China will respond, tit-for-tat, destroying the US economy. Brazil is loving it because they can provide the soybeans China wants, and at a cheaper price. Boeing and the weapons companies NEED China's rare earth metals, which China can pull in a minute, and I hope they do. How's Trump going to unilaterally sell weapons to Saudi Arabia against his own government if the weapons companies can't make them?

No wonder this dimwit has lost all his companies over the years and had to declare bankruptcy so many times.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Again, have no illusions - China needs us more than we need them.

The great American delusion.

China has the rest of the world they can deal with other than America,.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

And if Xi doesn't 'show up' then maybe the world will see once and for all who the bigger fool is.

'The Emperor's New Clothes', anyone?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How can a businessman be this economically illiterate?

This is no ordinary businessman, he's a businessman who lost more money than anyone else.

Neither the US or China will win this trade war, others will.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Trump is a fool. He issues an ultimatum and expects Xi to comply?

As the biggest consumer of Chinese cheap stuff, pretty much. Walmart can’t wait.

That would be unacceptable loss of face for Xi and a huge insult to the Chinese nation.

At the same time, he can’t go on forever like this, there are signs already that China is hurting from this.

https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tariff-increase-trade-war-will-sucker-punch-china-economy-2019-5

The International Monetary Fund sees an even uglier picture, estimating that all US tariffs taken together could shave 1.6 points off Chinese GDP in 2019. "If the yuan crosses through 7, 7.2, 7.4 [per dollar]... believe that global markets will start freaking out," she warned. "Asian currencies will start moving, global equities will be tanking, bond yields will spike, the whole world will feel this. "We [the US] are in a much better position but there's no doubt that there will be pain over here," Chu said. "This is the manufacturing center of the world, and you're talking about the largest trading relationship that they have going very bad... that has huge ramifications."

If he did so it would seriously damage Xi's ability to continue as head of state.

I doubt it.

Expect nothing but defiance, China will not allow itself to be seen as a minor power responding to the whims of an idiot.

Seems like the idiot is making them nervous since the so called smart Presidents did nothing to fix this. Yeah, real smart.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

So what happens when Xi shows up? Doesn’t mean anything and already agreed to months ago like liberals claim with the Mexico deal?

It is another con! Xi already agreed and Dump is trying to look strong! He still hasn't accomplished anything major; on the other hand, he is the only American in history to lose over a billion dollars! The great business man!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

It is another con! Xi already agreed and Dump is trying to look strong!

Both men are trying to look strong, it’s understandable, each is worried about their own economy, but it’s funny that even the moderate Trump bashing Democrats are deeply on his side with this, so he’s definitely got China by the brass. Without us, China doesn’t really have that much to keep it sustained for very long, not to mention it’s economy is slowing down.

He still hasn't accomplished anything major;

He will, these things take time.

on the other hand, he is the only American in history to lose over a billion dollars! The great business man!

Reading too much Buzzfeed again, are we? ROFL!

dont worry Merica will hurt even more..*

As well as China is right now as we speak.

this is one battle that cant be won.

Definitely not buying that. Even Schumer is telling Trump to hold the line, wow!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Reading too much Buzzfeed again, are we? ROFL!

Bill Gates should have become president then. He would be much better than Trump since he is much richer. Yes, Trump lost billions and burned his investors. Look at what Bill Gates has and what a waste it was electing Trump instead of Bill Gates (a real billionaire who is self made and didn't inheret daddy's money - also has real hair)

As well as China is right now as we speak.

Trump gets mad the he makes American tax payers pay. But Trump people think the Chinese government is writing checks direct to the US treasury.

Without us

China still trades with the rest of the world.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Whether it is shutting down the American government, or shutting down trade between trading partners, Trump seems to think it is a good idea. He is a very slow learner.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Does Trump have any other tactics besides tariffs? Seems like he's a one trick pony

Even if that were true, which it isn't, that's one trick more than Obama had.

and no China doesn't need you more

Oh yes they do! We're their number 1 customer by far. Whereas we sell way more to Canada and Mexico than to China.

Merica will hurt even more..

No we won't.

this is one battle that cant be won.

Yes, it can. And it will be.

Xi is hoping Biden makes it to the nomination ( any Democrat will do, but Biden is the best for them ) and then somehow Trump screws up royally ( fat chance! ) and actually loses the election.

Oh my...

More links between China and the Biden family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB3KHMYS_go

China still trades with the rest of the world.

Indeed! Good luck, rest of the world!

He ( Trump ) is a very slow learner.

Lessee... economy booming... record low unemployment... new agreement with Mexico making concessions under the threat of tariffs... conclusion: we have a slow learner but it ain't Trump!

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

under the threat of tariffs... 

Which American tax payers pay for. Even if there was a wall the illegals would simply use ladders and shovels (also drones and slingshots for the drugs). Trump can't win. Remember Trump people think that tarrifs are not a tax.

Good luck, rest of the world!

Are you living in Japan? You can get the same cheap stuff you can (could) get in the USA. Just check Amazon Japan. Stay put in Japan so you can continue to get cheap stuff from China.

economy booming... 

It's not doing as well as it should because Trump is a sorry businessperson. Should have elected Bill Gates and the economy would be stronger. Remember, Trump lost billions for his company and Bill Gates MADE hundreds of billions for his. That means we are not at full potention under Trump the way we would be if Bill Gates were president.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

economy booming... 

It's not doing as well as it should because Trump is a sorry businessperson

It's not doing as well as it could because the Democrats and RINOS try to block him at every turn.

That means we are not at full ( potential ) under Trump the way we would be if Bill Gates were president.

Lessee... "President Gates" .... Nah! Don't think he's capable of or even desires to stand up to China. Tim Cook too.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

It's not doing as well as it could because the Democrats and RINOS try to block him at every turn. 

Bingo.

Lessee... "President Gates" .... Nah! Don't think he's capable of or even desires to stand up to China. Tim Cook too.

Never. Lol

The view that Trump is relying on the strength of the U.S. economy to outlast China in a trade war is shared by a range of banks and analysts and comes in large part from Trump’s own public remarks. The President has frequently cited the U.S. economy as a reason the country can endure a trade war. The U.S. experienced nearly 3% GDP growth last year while the Dow Jones Industrial Average, for instance, has expanded more than 30% since Trump took office. News last week that the U.S. unemployment rate fell to the lowest level since 1969 only bolsters the view of a strong economy.

https://time.com/5586262/trump-china-trade-war-tariffs/

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Fact: Trump is a bankrupt business loser who even lost with Daddy's money.

Fact: Bill Gates made more money and boosted the economy than Trump ever could (x100 since that is now much richer Gates is) and he didn't need Daddy's money.

Also Trump is a paranoid old man who cares what people think of him. Gates is younger and more mentally healthy and would be a stable president.

Fact: illegals are walking all over Trump and debt is rising. Also no wall.

Fact: Bill Gates would build a very effective cloud wall. Trump is too old and incompetent to understand technology

Stand up to China

= Trump tax

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Trump threatens huge new tariffs on China if Xi doesn't meet with him

"Master, Master, Xi won't meet with me - WHAA!, WHAA!.......

It's all right Donnie, let Vlad take care of everything - I'll talk to Xi.....but, you need to do me a favor...make that $10 Million Trump Tower Moscow Penthouse twice as big...

All right Master, but make that mean man talk to me"...

If I was Xi, I'd invite the Orange Man-Baby Balloon and have a discussion with it....both it and Trump have about the same IQ level...

1 ( +3 / -2 )

And don't forget that Bill Gates is Republican. He made the most profit with least tax, unlike Trump

1 ( +2 / -1 )

So what happens when Xi shows up? Doesn’t mean anything and already agreed to months ago like liberals claim with the Mexico deal?

A claim supported by facts.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Just imagine what this country could have accomplished if the entire government would have been behind Trump from the beginning of his presidency.

It was for his first two years. Oh, are you pushing the Deep State conspiracy theory again? A bit last year, isn't it?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Trump's problem is that he doesn't accomplish anything.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Trump's problem is that he doesn't accomplish anything.

Lessee... even with all the Dems and RINOS and most of the media against him... booming economy.... record low unemployment... new agreement with Mexico... still no North Korean rockets flying over Japan...

Yeah, you're right, SuperLib, none of this is worth mentioning. Wait - he's accomplished one thing worth mentioning - he's got you and the other Trump haters triggered!

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Trump's problem is that he doesn't accomplish anything.

His 200 accomplishments say otherwise. Mexico can be added to that list by the looks of it.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

So what happens when Xi shows up? Doesn’t mean anything and already agreed to months ago like liberals claim with the Mexico deal?

A claim supported by facts.

This was obviously planned. He would not do this without something going on behind the scenes for a long time. Mexico is doing more for our border security than the Democrats.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

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