China Tests Trump's Resolve
by Lawrence A. Franklin • February 10, 2025 at 5:00 am
If the US fails to support its ally by treaty, the Philippines, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda machine and Chinese diplomats will likely seek to sow doubts about US resolve into the capitals of America's Pacific allies.
China seems to claim a lot of waters, such as "almost all" of the South China Sea, as well as land, including Tibet; Arunachal Pradesh in northern India; the "near-Arctic," and Taiwan, which has never been part of mainland China.
The Trump administration immediately needs to short-circuit all "exploratory" moves by China. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth might order Seventh Fleet and US Pacific Command's air assets to strengthen their presence near the Philippines and the Pacific. Any firm message to China that America will stand by its allies throughout free Asia would be of help.
The "Tariff Wars" have begun.
China's State Council Tariff Commission released a list of 72 items that would fall under the 10% tariffs. Much of that list was related to agriculture, including several types of tractors, harvesters and other large pieces of farming equipment.
The list of U.S. imports that will be subject to 15% tariffs was far shorter, listing just eight types of coal and natural gas.
Chinese Communist Party (CCP) President Xi Jinping might gin up further crises to test the mettle of President Donald J. Trump, just as he has tested the resolve of all recent incoming administrations.
