US-China Trade Stance Hardens Ahead of High-Level Summit (legrandcontinent.eu)

• Tariff volatility driven by rare earth supply chains
• Increased US scrutiny on AI intellectual property
• Strategic posturing before May bilateral summit

"The Trump administration is intensifying its aggressive stance toward China, marked by fluctuating tariff policies—initially reaching 145%—and countermeasures involving rare earth export restrictions. Washington is now pivoting to accusations of AI technology theft, led by top advisor Michael Kratsios. These moves are viewed as pressure tactics ahead of Trump’s planned visit to Beijing in May. The geopolitical context is tense, as China surpassed the US in global approval ratings in 2025, providing Beijing with significant leverage in the upcoming negotiations."