[rsynnott]

> china can't just do whatever and tariff american companies to hell, right?

In general, the US would introduce retaliatory tariffs in that scenario; the game theory of the situation basically requires that.

Despite popular belief, the CCP is also not actually completely immune to public discontent (it often seems to be really quite scared of it), and would likely be willing to kick off a major trade war, as it would cause price increases.