Trump and Xi Smoke the Peace Pipe: A Viking's Take on the Trade War

A Storm is Brewing (Again!)

Hark! News from across the seas reaches even my longhouse. It seems the American chieftain Trump and the Dragon Emperor of China Xi Jinping have been at each other's throats again. A 'trade war,' they call it. Sounds like a right proper raid but with… papers? And taxes? Gods even I prefer axes.

A Very Good Call or Just Sweet Talk?

Trump claims he had a 'very good' chat with Xi lasting 90 minutes no less! Ninety minutes! I could sail halfway to England in that time! And apparently it all focused on trade. Hmm makes you wonder what they were really bartering for. Perhaps Trump offered them Florida in exchange for some shiny trinkets 'Rare Earths' they are called. Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less.

Send in the Warriors... of Commerce!

Trump is sending his bravest warriors – Bessent Lutnick and Greer – to parley with the Chinese. These are not shieldmaidens with axes mind you but men with… ledgers? I suppose every battle has its own kind of weapon. Let's hope they negotiate better than I do when haggling for slaves in Hedeby. Remember 'Fear is stronger than love' and these men must use fear to their advantage.

Rare Earths: The New Shiny Thing

Ah the 'Rare Earths'! It seems these shiny stones are causing quite the stir. The Americans want more the Chinese are dragging their feet. Reminds me of when I tried to convince King Aelle to give me Northumbria. 'I came I saw I conquered.' That is what I would like to tell Trump and Xi!

Tit for Tat: A Viking's Guide to Retaliation

The Chinese are not happy with the new rules for their students nor the warnings against their 'semiconductors'. An eye for an eye it seems. Much like when I burned down Lindisfarne Abbey. Though I suspect these economic blows are less… fiery. Still 'Never show fear.' even if your trade routes are ablaze.

Peace Pipe or a Ruse?

So they've agreed to talk more even invited Trump to visit China. Is this a genuine attempt at peace or merely a clever trap? Only the gods know for sure. But one thing is certain: the world is always changing just like the tides. Even the strongest empires can crumble and those who fail to adapt will be swept away.