Trump trata de aislar a China con acuerdos con otros socios comerciales | Internacional | EL PAÍS

Trump's Strategy to Isolate China

The article discusses Donald Trump's strategy to counter China's economic influence by forging trade agreements with other nations. This approach aims to isolate China by creating a situation where countries must choose between aligning with the US or China.

Key Players and Actions

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: A key figure in implementing this strategy, criticizing China's economic ties with countries like Spain.
• Partial Tariff Truce: Trump implemented a partial truce on reciprocal tariffs, excluding China and maintaining high tariffs on Chinese goods.
• Technology Exemptions: Exemptions on tariffs for technology products are viewed as benefiting US tech giants rather than being a concession to China.
• Hardening Stance towards China: The White House adopted a strong tone, stating that China needs to negotiate, not the US.
• Negotiations with Allies: The US aims to secure agreements with allies first and then confront China as a united front.
• Japan as an Ally: Trump considers Japan a key ally in isolating China and personally attended the first trade negotiation meeting with Japan.

Challenges and Risks

The strategy faces challenges, including the damaged trust between the US and its allies. The article points out that forcing countries to choose between the US and China could prove to be a high-risk endeavor. Although Spain has shown some willingness to work with the US, the larger EU strategy is to maintain relations with China as a strategic partner.

Mexico and Other Countries

Trump's actions might force countries to abandon Chinese initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative in favor of deals with the US, as exemplified by Panama. Concerns exist regarding China indirectly exporting products to the US via other countries.

Overall Assessment

Trump's strategy is largely aimed at countering China's economic growth. The effectiveness of this approach is debated, considering the potential damage to trust and relations with other countries.