Part 5/10:
Why did China appear to capitulate? The answer lies in basic economic math. China’s economy is under strain, with slowing manufacturing, weak consumer demand, and a precarious energy situation. The Strait of Hormuz’s stability is an existential concern, as disruption threatens the very lifeblood of China’s economic growth.
Trump understood this. By applying diplomatic pressure subtly and timing carefully, he created a situation where China prioritized its economic stability over ideological alliances or strategic ambiguity.