Washington urges over 70 countries to cut ties with Beijing in return for trade concessions
The United States is pushing a major initiative to economically isolate China by persuading more than 70 nations to limit cooperation with Beijing in exchange for reduced American tariffs. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources familiar with the proposal.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Behind the Plan
The initiative was authored by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has already presented the strategy to President Donald Trump. According to WSJ, the proposal urges countries to ban Chinese companies from operating or registering on their soil and to halt the re-export of Chinese goods. Washington is also pressuring its partners to stop absorbing “cheap industrial products from China.”
Trade Incentives for Isolation of China
In return, the United States promises to ease import tariffs. Bessent believes that by weakening China’s global trade links, the U.S. can force Beijing to the negotiating table with fewer levers of influence. The plan is designed to strengthen Washington’s position ahead of potential talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump: “China Must Make a Deal with Us”
President Donald Trump indirectly confirmed the strategy on April 15, stating that countries may have to choose between the U.S. and China. The comment was made in response to Panama’s decision not to renew its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Later, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read a new statement from Trump:
“The ball is in China’s court. China must make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them.”
U.S. May Delist Chinese Stocks from Markets
Bessent’s plan also includes more aggressive steps such as delisting Chinese stocks from U.S. exchanges. In a recent interview with Fox Business, Bessent did not rule out that the administration may take this drastic measure if other tactics fail to exert enough pressure on China.
China Responds: Xi Strengthens Ties with Vietnam
As the U.S. attempts to rally global partners, China is actively expanding its own trade diplomacy. This week, President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam—a key U.S. trade partner hit hard by Trump-era tariffs—and signed dozens of economic agreements with Hanoi.
New Tariffs: 145% on China, Global Mirror Measures
On April 2, Trump announced mirror tariffs targeting over 200 countries and territories. However, on April 9—the date the tariffs were to take effect—he granted a 90-day pause, imposing a base rate of 10%. Several electronic devices and components were excluded, although they are expected to fall under new semiconductor tariffs “within a month or two.”
China received no relief. The total U.S. tariff burden on Chinese imports reached 145%. In response, Beijing imposed retaliatory tariffs of 125% and restricted the export of rare earth metals vital to high-tech industries.
Markets Rattled: Recession and GDP Slowdown Feared
Trump’s aggressive tariff move triggered unease in global markets. Analysts warned of a potential U.S. recession and a decline in GDP growth. Arthur Kroeber, research director at Dragonomics, a firm focused on China’s economy, predicted that Trump may lose the trade war with Beijing for three reasons:
- lack of international support,
- China’s economic resilience,
- limited tools of U.S. pressure.
Over 75 Countries Seek Tariff Talks
Trump claimed that more than 75 countries have approached the U.S. to discuss tariff and trade barrier solutions. He added that, unlike China, these nations have not taken retaliatory steps.
The situation remains tense: Washington is forming a coalition, Beijing is reinforcing its regional ties, and global markets are on edge awaiting the next move.