China returns to Mao Zedong’s legacy in its fight against Trump
15 April 2025 10:10
China has put government officials in Beijing under martial law and launched a large-scale diplomatic campaign to counter US President Donald Trump‘s new tariffs. Moreover, in this campaign, China is actively using the legacy of former leader Mao Zedong, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports with reference to Reuters.
Testaments of the great leader
New challenges have forced the propaganda apparatus of the Communist Party of China to return to the old and proven rhetoric that inspired people to great achievements, namely the legacy of Mao Zedong. Today, Chinese and Western social media are actively circulating video clips of the former Chinese leader saying:
“We will never give in”.
Particularly symbolic is the use of Mao’s 1953 speech delivered during the Korean War, the last direct military conflict between the United States and China. In this speech, Mao, whose eldest son was killed in that war, emphasized:
“No matter how long this war lasts, we will never give up. We will fight until we are completely victorious.”
Читайте нас у Telegram: головні новини коротко
“Martial Law”
According to Reuters sources, Chinese officials from the ministries of foreign affairs and commerce have been ordered to cancel vacations and keep their cell phones on around the clock. Beijing has also strengthened its departments responsible for relations with the United States, in particular by bringing in specialists who worked on China’s response to Trump’s policies during his first term in office.
In parallel with international efforts, Beijing is focusing on domestic reactions to the tariffs. Chinese social media are actively disseminating an editorial by the official newspaper, the People’s Daily, dated April 7, which warns against panic. The authorities are also encouraging households to increase consumption in an effort to redirect the engine of economic growth from exports to domestic consumption.
“The real battlefield is on the domestic front, not in bilateral negotiations,”
– said international relations expert Zhao Minghao of Fudan University in Shanghai.
The challenge in the trade war is accepted
The Chinese authorities have developed a comprehensive action plan that includes retaliatory tariffs, restrictions on about 60 US companies, and export restrictions on rare earth metals. This plan was the result of weeks of preparation by government officials who were tasked with studying Trump’s policies and proposing countermeasures that could be gradually strengthened.
It is worth noting that this tough stance is a sharp turn in Beijing’s strategy. Previously, China tried to avoid an escalation of the trade war – for months, Chinese diplomats have been trying to establish a channel of communication with the Trump administration to discuss the economic relations that the Chinese cabinet describes in state media as mutually beneficial.
Now, President Xi Jinping has chosen to respond decisively, imposing tariffs on American goods even before Trump’s announced duties have taken effect. These measures were announced just before the opening of Wall Street on April 4, causing a sharp drop in US stocks.
As of April 15, 2025, the United States increased duties on Chinese imports to 145%, leaving temporary exemptions for certain technology products at a rate of 20%. In response, China has introduced mirror measures, imposing duties on US goods up to 125% and restricting exports of critical rare earth metals. The trade confrontation between the two countries is escalating, with no signs of de-escalation.
Search for a coalition
China is also actively engaging other countries in countering US tariffs. According to sources, Chinese diplomats have sent official letters to government officials of other countries that have been pressured by Trump on trade negotiations. These letters outline China’s position and emphasize the need for multipolarity and joint opposition to American policy.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the heads of its foreign missions to Beijing for a special meeting to coordinate a response. China also approached some G20 governments with a proposal for a joint declaration in support of the multilateral trading system.
Читайте нас у Telegram: головні новини коротко
