As of March 13, 2025, here are the latest developments concerning the United States and China:
Trade Relations and Tariffs:
- U.S. Imposes New Tariffs: On February 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14195, instituting a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, effective February 4. This action was recommended by the National Security Council. Subsequently, on March 4, 2025, these tariffs were increased to 20%. Wikipedia
- China’s Response: In retaliation, China imposed a 15% tariff on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tariff on oil and agricultural machinery. Additionally, China launched an antitrust investigation into Google and added export controls on certain metals, including tungsten. Wikipedia
- Fentanyl Crisis Link: President Trump linked the fentanyl crisis in the U.S. to these tariffs, accusing China of subsidizing chemicals used in fentanyl production. China criticized this move, detailing its efforts to control the illegal fentanyl trade and condemning the U.S. response. apnews.com
Cybersecurity Concerns:
- FCC Establishes Security Council: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is forming a national security council to counter Chinese cyber threats and maintain technological superiority. The council aims to address vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, reduce supply chain dependencies on adversaries, and ensure U.S. leadership in critical technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence. ft.com
- Treasury Department Hack: On December 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury disclosed a security breach attributed to a state-sponsored actor from China. The breach involved access to unclassified documents and remote access to workstations. Wikipedia
Diplomatic Tensions:
Chinese Diplomat Criticizes Tariffs: Zhang Jianmin, China’s Consul General in San Francisco, criticized President Trump’s 20% tariffs on Chinese imports, stating that such measures harm bilateral cooperation, particularly in addressing the fentanyl crisis. He argued that the trade war would have no winners and urged the U.S. to resolve issues through dialogue. sfchronicle.com