Tariffs and Tributes: Did China Just Outsmart the Bloody Baron of Trade?

A Deal is Struck... Or Is It?

So they tell me there's a deal. A 'historic' one they say. Historic like the Battle of Brenna was historic bloody and full of backstabbing. Seems China and the US have agreed to… well something. Tariffs reduced promises made. Makes you wonder who’s greasing whose palms. Reminds me of Vizima except with more paperwork and fewer drowners.

The Dragon's Defiance: A Lesson in Stubbornness

The Chinese are crowing about how their 'resolute stance' forced the Americans to blink. They claim their public tantrums – sorry 'firm countermeasures' – did the trick. Reminds me of some trolls I've met. Throw a big enough rock and eventually someone will give you what you want just to shut you up. Though unlike trolls the Chinese seem to have an endless supply of rocks.

Social Media Shenanigans: Hail Hydra

Of course the news is all over the 'Weibo's or whatever they call it over there. Apparently millions are patting themselves on the back for this 'victory.' One bloke even quoted his ancestors saying 'Our ancestors didn't cave in why should we give up what we have?'. 'Wind's howling' I say. Sounds like the sort of drivel you'd hear at a Nilfgaardian propaganda rally.

The Emperor's New Consultation Mechanism

Beijing's also trying to play the 'responsible partner' card. 'Oh look at us so cooperative!' But anyone who's dealt with them knows they're about as reliable as a Doppler disguised as a banker. They're promising a 'consultation mechanism' – which sounds suspiciously like a fancy way of saying 'we'll talk until you give us what we want'. I have seem same type of communication mechanism used by Noonwraiths.

Rare Earths Rare Promises

And then there's the rare earths. Vital for all those fancy gadgets the humans are so fond of. China’s cracking down on smuggling blaming 'foreign entities'. Color me shocked. Sounds like someone’s trying to keep a monopoly. Reminds me of those dwarven mines in Mahakam – always someone trying to control the flow of ore.

A Temporary Truce or a Brewing Storm?

So the markets are happy. For now. But don't mistake a lull in the storm for sunshine. This 'deal' is just a 90 day pause. Both sides are posturing and the American is calling it 'historic'. They'll be back at each other's throats soon enough. After all as a wise man once said 'Evil is evil. Lesser greater middling… Makes no difference. The degree is arbitary. The definition’s blurred. If I’m to choose between one evil and another then I prefer not to choose at all.' Especially when it's between Temeria and Nilfgaard.