Despite the Trump administration's "tariff bomb," President Xi Jinping stated a hardline stance. Previously, China responded to the United States, which applied a 145% tariff rate, by raising its tariff rate to 125%. In a recent meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who visited Beijing, Xi said, "We are not afraid of any unjust oppression," directing remarks toward the United States.
On Nov. 11 (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing multiple experts familiar with Chinese politics, that President Xi is expected to continue the hardline and independent course he has maintained.
According to NYT, President Xi is converting this tariff war into a framework of "hostile pressure from the West" to enhance internal cohesion.
The People's Daily, the organ of the Chinese Communist Party, criticized on the 10th, stating, "America's reciprocal tariffs are an act of modern piracy," and that "China has fought against organized pressure that suppresses competitors under the pretext of 'fair competition.'" Meanwhile, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted a video of a speech by Mao Zedong on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) the same day, stating that China will "fight until total victory."
The reason President Xi can maintain such a hardline stance is due to the political system in China, where power is concentrated in a single individual, unlike in the United States. Xi laid the foundation for long-term rule by abolishing term limits for the presidency through constitutional amendments in March 2018. Additionally, he ensured strong policy enforcement by appointing only "loyalists" to the top leadership of the new leadership that began in 2022.
Joseph Torigian, a professor at American University, analyzed, "Xi believes that the Chinese system is superior to that of the United States and thinks he is prepared to endure national trials."
Some observers suggest that this conflict could actually present an opportunity for President Xi. Jessica Tts, a political expert from Middlebury College, noted that "the recent measure of imposing tariffs exclusively on China gives Xi a justification to shift the blame for the economic slowdown externally" and added that it might also mitigate domestic discontent regarding massive military expenditures.
However, it is uncertain whether President Xi's support will be sustained in the medium to long term. NYT pointed out that "China is currently suffering from a complex economic downturn characterized by real estate stagnation, reduced consumption, and rising unemployment, with public discontent accumulating." In particular, during the outbreak of COVID-19, President Xi's strict quarantine and lockdown policies triggered large-scale protests.
Professor Torigian added, "Decisive actions may strengthen President Xi's position in the short term," but also questioned whether the public could silently endure the sacrifices if these measures lead to significant economic shocks.