Tang Meng Kit
The US-China trade war has evolved into a structural confrontation. It is not just about tariffs or technology; it is about two different philosophies of power and time. On one side is a strategy of transactional urgency. On the other, one of systemic patience. This is the contest between Trump’s “Art of the Deal” and China’s “Art of War.”
Donald Trump’s “Art of the Deal” strategy thrives on disruption, unpredictability and short-term leverage. In April 2025, Trump announced new tariffs – 10% across the board on all imports, so-called “reciprocal” tariffs of varying levels on nations with trade surpluses with the US and up to 145% on Chinese goods.
This strategy aims for immediate political and economic wins. As Trump once said, “You have to be unpredictable. That’s how you win.”
China’s “Art of War,” drawn from Sun Tzu’s ancient teachings, values patience, positioning and indirect strength. Beijing’s response is deliberate. Tariffs match US actions, but China also accelerates long-term projects: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade integration, Belt and Road Initiative refinements and an expansion of the digital yuan to challenge dollar dominance.
Sun Tzu reminds us, “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
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