In The U.S.-China Trade War, Xi Jinping’s Endurance Outshines Trump’s Instability

In the escalating economic standoff between the world's two largest economies, President Xi Jinping of China appears to hold the stronger hand over U.S. President Donald Trump. As tit-for-tat tariffs mount and economic pain spreads across both nations, the ultimate contest may lie in the capacity of each leader—and their people—to endure adversity for the sake of national interests.

The current trade war intensified after President Trump escalated tariffs on Chinese imports to 145 percent, even as he temporarily eased duties on American allies. In response, China retaliated with 125 percent tariffs on U.S. goods and announced a suspension on importing crucial rare minerals, threatening American industries from auto manufacturing to defense.

Yet while the Trump administration's actions have caused turbulence in financial markets—and prompted Trump to partially retreat following spikes in government bond yields—Xi Jinping remains unshaken. As Benjamin Hart of Intelligencer observes, “Trump has a long history of folding, and Xi does not. He’s known for being steadfast.” This perception is echoed by Beijing insiders and critics alike, who note Xi's record of pursuing policies relentlessly, regardless of public hardship or international backlash.

At the heart of the standoff lies a question of political resilience. As Chinese novelist Hao Qun notes, “Tariffs and even economic sanctions are not Xi Jinping’s pressure points; he is not particularly concerned about the hardships tariffs may cause for ordinary people.” Compared to Trump's voter base—which may only tolerate economic discomfort temporarily—Xi commands a political environment where endurance and sacrifice are not only expected but celebrated as patriotic duty. The Chinese government openly references historical struggles, from the Korean War to the Great Leap Forward, to rally its populace amid adversity.

Economically, both sides stand to lose, but the calculus differs. Despite the pain imposed by tariffs, China’s government has been preparing for these scenarios for over a decade, encouraging domestic consumption and seeking self-sufficiency in industry, agriculture, and technology. As researcher Dan Wang points out, “Xi has been preparing for severing economic ties with the U.S. and the rest of the West for longer than Trump has been preparing for this.”

Meanwhile, American businesses, especially those heavily dependent on the Chinese market, find themselves increasingly exposed. China's targeted retaliation—such as limiting imports of key American agricultural products—threatens sectors that form part of Trump’s political base. At the same time, observers warn that Trump's unpredictability and apparent willingness to blink under market pressure may erode U.S. leverage in negotiations.

The trade war has also shaken global alliances, as U.S. allies and European partners weigh their relationships with Washington and Beijing. As tension simmers, many countries find themselves caught between the stability (and rigidity) of Xi’s China and the erratic leadership style of Trump-era America.

As both superpowers dig in, the world is left to wonder: Which leader’s strategy will ultimately prevail, and which nation’s people are best equipped to withstand the storms ahead? Join the conversation—leave your thoughts below and share your perspective on this unfolding, high-stakes rivalry.

• Donald Trump
• Trade War
• Xi Jinping