Amid rising fears of a renewed U.S.-China trade war, Chinese state media have singled out certain American companies for their “strong collaboration” with local partners. This commentary comes as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to take office for his second term on January 20. Trump recently pledged to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing concerns over China’s role in the U.S. opioid epidemic, and hinted at even steeper tariffs of up to 60%.
This development echoes the cautious yet strategic media coverage during Trump’s first presidency, when U.S.-China relations were dominated by escalating trade tensions and tit-for-tat tariffs. Then, as now, Chinese state media offered praise for select U.S. companies seen as fostering goodwill and cooperation, while Beijing’s official stance on the trade war remained notably restrained.
In its Wednesday edition, the Global Times, a state-run tabloid known for its nationalist tone, commended U.S. companies like Apple, Tesla, Starbucks, and HP for their contributions to U.S.-China economic collaboration.
“U.S. politicians need to pay attention to and respect the evident willingness of American businesses for economic and trade cooperation by tailoring suitable policy environments for enterprises,” the editorial argued.
The article highlighted these firms’ investments and partnerships in China, portraying them as examples of what can be achieved when both sides prioritize business cooperation over political confrontation. Similarly, the China Daily pointed to Morgan Stanley’s regulatory approval to expand operations in China earlier this year as proof of foreign investors’ eagerness to deepen ties with the Chinese economy.
The timing of these comments suggests an attempt by Beijing to influence U.S. policymakers, urging them to avoid measures that could further disrupt bilateral trade. By praising cooperative U.S. firms, China appears to be signaling which companies might thrive under favorable conditions while subtly indicating which industries could suffer should tensions escalate.
Trump’s recent announcement of a 10% tariff on Chinese goods marks a return to his hardline trade policies, which defined much of his first term. The President attributed the decision to Beijing’s failure to curb the export of chemicals fueling the opioid crisis in the United States.
“China must do more to stop the flow of fentanyl and other deadly substances into our country,” Trump said in a statement. “American workers and families have suffered enough.”
Trump’s rhetoric on the campaign trail was even harsher, as he threatened tariffs exceeding 60% on Chinese imports, a move that would significantly impact global trade. Critics argue such measures could strain the global economy, disrupt supply chains, and heighten inflationary pressures, especially in the United States.
Chinese officials have largely refrained from directly addressing Trump’s latest tariff proposals. During Trump’s first presidency, Beijing adopted a similar approach, often letting state media and unofficial channels frame the narrative.
A Chinese embassy official in Washington stated this week that “no one will win a trade war,” a sentiment echoed by Chinese media in previous years. Despite the mounting tension, Beijing seems to be avoiding direct confrontation, possibly to gauge Trump’s intentions and craft a measured response.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai’s recent survey reveals waning optimism among U.S. businesses operating in China. Only 47% of respondents expressed a positive five-year outlook, reflecting growing uncertainties around trade policy and regulatory challenges.
This marks a sharp decline from the earlier years of U.S.-China trade collaboration when American companies were bullish on the opportunities offered by China’s rapidly expanding market. Now, firms face dual pressures from both governments: Washington’s trade restrictions and Beijing’s evolving regulatory landscape.
The renewed trade tensions between the U.S. and China come at a precarious time for the global economy. Supply chains, already weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, could face further disruptions if Trump follows through on his tariff threats.
Major industries, including technology, automotive, and agriculture, would bear the brunt of such measures. Higher tariffs could raise costs for U.S. manufacturers and consumers, while Chinese exporters would likely see reduced access to their largest market.
Meanwhile, sectors praised by Chinese state media, such as consumer technology and finance, may find themselves better positioned to navigate the challenges, provided they maintain strong local partnerships.
China’s strategy of selectively highlighting U.S. companies’ successes and cooperation appears aimed at fostering divisions within the U.S. policy apparatus. By underscoring the benefits of bilateral trade for American firms, Beijing may be attempting to rally opposition to Trump’s tariffs from within the U.S. business community.
During Trump’s first term, many U.S. companies lobbied against aggressive trade policies, warning of potential job losses and economic harm. By praising firms like Apple and Tesla, Beijing could be signaling that these companies, at least, have little to fear from trade tensions.
The current rhetoric is reminiscent of the earlier trade war, when Chinese state media played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the U.S.-China economic relationship. Corporate executives and investors closely monitored publications like the Global Times and China Daily for hints about Beijing’s strategy and which firms might face scrutiny or favor.
For instance, during Trump’s first presidency, companies with significant supply chain dependencies in China were often in the spotlight. Today, the focus appears to have shifted to sectors like renewable energy, technology, and financial services, which are seen as vital to China’s economic growth and modernization.
As Trump prepares to take office, the trajectory of U.S.-China relations remains uncertain. While his administration’s initial moves suggest a return to hardline trade policies, Beijing’s response has so far been measured, emphasizing cooperation and shared economic interests.
Should tariffs escalate, both sides could face significant economic fallout. For U.S. businesses operating in China, the stakes are particularly high. The next few months will likely see intense lobbying from the private sector and diplomatic maneuvering aimed at averting a full-scale trade war.
In the meantime, Chinese state media’s praise for certain U.S. firms offers a glimpse into Beijing’s strategy: to isolate hawkish policymakers and cultivate allies in the American business community. Whether this approach succeeds in tempering Trump’s trade agenda remains to be seen.
