China's Tactical Delay: Leveraging Trade Talks to Strengthen Its Position Against U.S. Pressure

If Xi Jinping were to author a guide on managing relations with former President Trump, it would likely emphasize exploiting the American leader’s vulnerabilities to apply maximum pressure, while simultaneously using the delay to bolster China’s own standing.

This approach seems to define Beijing’s response since the U.S. escalated tariffs on Chinese imports in April, aiming to encourage China to purchase more American goods and reduce its exports. Instead of conceding, China has relied on its strategic advantage—the control over essential minerals vital to the U.S.—shifting the dialogue toward extended discussions rather than immediate resolutions.

Recent meetings, such as those in London and Geneva, appear to entangle the U.S. in negotiations centered on procedural agreements—like establishing frameworks for future talks—rather than tackling contentious issues directly. This strategy enables China to sidestep deeper disputes, including allegations of unfair industrial subsidies, dumping practices, and restrictions on foreign businesses operating within its borders.

Experts suggest that China is comfortable with this cyclical pattern of economic confrontations followed by diplomatic exchanges that largely maintain the status quo.

This ongoing back-and-forth prevents the U.S. from making meaningful progress on its core concerns regarding China’s nonmarket economic policies.

Historically, China has effectively used prolonged economic dialogues to frustrate U.S. efforts, allowing it to deflect external pressure while continuing to develop its economy and manufacturing capacity on its own terms.