Summary
China is seeking negotiations with the U.S. to avoid escalating tariffs, especially with Trump's return to power.
Beijing is using a mix of trade tools, such as investigating U.S. companies and imposing export bans, to gain leverage.
Despite global dominance in some sectors, China remains vulnerable to a new trade war with the U.S.
As former U.S. President Donald Trump renews his threats of tariffs against China, Beijing is proactively seeking negotiations in an attempt to avert a full-scale trade war. Armed with insights from the previous trade conflict, China is aiming to secure advantageous terms through strategic countermeasures and leverage ahead of the 2025 U.S. administration’s inauguration.