[LinuxBender]

I am not an expert in global economics but it may be worth mentioning that both Chairman Xi and Donald Trump have very strong personalities and neither wish to be seen giving in or losing so I could envision this dragging out to it's eventuality whatever that may be. China are losing their workforce and I suspect Donald's advisors are betting on that being a stress point that may force Xi to give in to economic pressure. I could even see this situation being intentional and planned in advance to weaken China prior to any proxy wars. The USA are only about 17% of China's global trade output and only 8.6% of their imports so maybe I am incorrect. For what it's worth I am not on anyone's team so I expect all sides will hate my opinions.

[watwut]

There is about zero chance it is thought out and intentional. And by all reports, Trump does not listen to advisors and is surrounded by complete yes men.

As in, beyond sanewashing, this explanation does not pass the basic smell test.

[LinuxBender]

I am not sure I follow. Almost everything Donald has done with tariffs were based entirely on advise by United States Treasurer Scott Bessent and economic adviser Peter Navarro. There are several interviews with Scott explaining how the tariffs will play out. Which part of this specifically has a malodorous emission and why?

[watwut]

Donald Trump was huge fan of tariffs ever since 80ties. And contradicted Bessent multiple times.

Also, if tariffs were meant against China specifically, they would not use the exact same formula on Europe, Penguins, Korea, Bolivia and whole world except Russia. There was no China specific tariff.

[LinuxBender]

And contradicted Bessent multiple times.

How did he contradict Bessent? Genuinely curious, I am only familiar with recent events.

[watwut]

Besset wants him to negotiate, he does not wanna. Besset worry about recession and wants him to calm markets, Trump rhetorics is different.