Part 9/12:
The broader picture reveals that the trade war's toll extends beyond the two powers. Bloomberg reports that China's economic growth remains relatively strong at 5.4% in early 2025, but there are concerns that continued tariffs could slow this momentum. The global economy is visibly slipping into a state characterized by "high friction and low trust," complicating international economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Chinese officials have been engaging in meetings with representatives of the IMF, World Bank, U.S., EU, and G20 countries in Washington, marking the first face-to-face interactions since Trump's tariff escalations. However, these talks have yet to translate into substantive negotiations, and the two sides remain frozen in a public standoff.