A Silent Stand Off: No Time To Die?
The atmosphere in Beijing's foreign ministry press hall was thicker than Q's latest gadget malfunction. When I enquired about a potential pow wow between President Xi and that chap Trump the spokesperson dodged the question faster than I can evade a laser beam. Seems 'pressuring or threatening China' is not the way to their heart. More like 'Live and Let Die,' if you ask me. But I'm not just asking I'm reporting.
Tit for Tat: Licence to Kill (the Trade Deal)
This weekend saw Beijing throw down the gauntlet with reciprocal tariffs. Forget targeted strikes; this is an all out assault. Analysts are murmuring about a conflict spilling into technology investment the whole shebang! One expert even suggested that the risk of Beijing making a grab for Taiwan is going to increase. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. Is this how the world ends? Not with a bang but a whimper of stock prices plummeting?
From Russia With Love or Rather With Tariffs
The Americans have slapped tariffs on Chinese exports faster than I can order a martini – shaken not stirred naturally. Trump's team is talking about another 50% in tariffs if Beijing doesn't play ball. The Chinese answer? A resounding 'No!' Someone needs to remind these chaps that negotiation is an art not a blunt instrument. Perhaps a friendly game of baccarat could smooth things over?
Hardening Stances: Goldfinger's Economic Grip
Beyond the tariff tit for tat a deal looks as likely as Blofeld winning a Nobel Peace Prize. The Chinese are digging in their heels and Trump's team is leaning towards more hardline positions. An expert even suggested that the China's response on Friday was "clearly a calculated decision," not an impulsive one. Calculated or not it's a gamble with global consequences and I fear the house always wins. The name's Bond James Bond and I have a licence to observe.
Home Alone: Quantum of Solace (Only for China)
China's now focused on giving its own economy a shot in the arm like Q tinkering with a vital weapon while the Yanks threaten from afar. The word on the street is that domestic stimulus could arrive any day now. It is all looking rather bleak for the near future. It's enough to make a chap reach for a stiff drink. Preferably shaken not stirred.
The Spy Who Loved Me (But Hates Tariffs)
China's telling businesses to stand their ground against the U.S. tariffs and is not keen on Shein moving some production out of the country. State backed funds are propping up local stocks after the market took a tumble. Meanwhile indexes are down and the yuan's hit a record low. It's a financial minefield and I'm without my usual Aston Martin's ejector seat. One wrong move and kaboom! This is a job for Bond James Bond but even I need a strong cup of tea after all this.
US China trade war tariffs trade negotiations Donald Trump Xi Jinping China economy global markets trade tensions geopolitical risk reciprocal duties
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abitosunshine
This is going to hurt everyone, not just the US and China.
liaochong14
I think a deal is possible before the US election.
o0oscar0o
I hope this doesn't affect the price of my new car!
psycoffman
Can't we all just get along and have a nice cup of tea?
Somerville
This could be the start of a new Cold War.
CoolBreezeZone
Maybe someone should send 007 to negotiate.
Alpha512
The US and China should be focusing on climate change, not trade.
ilovelockerz
Is there a SPECTRE behind all this trade war madness?
Vpr99
Will robots take over all jobs in China?
dublin88
China's economy is far more resilient than people think.