Cambridge Economist Highlights Resilience in China's Global Trade Network
Jostein Hauge, an assistant professor in development studies at the University of Cambridge, argues that U.S. tariffs imposed under former President Donald Trump are unlikely to significantly harm China’s economy or boost American interests. Speaking to KhabarAsia, Hauge emphasized China’s strategic diversification of trade partnerships as a key buffer against unilateral trade measures.
"China has built extensive ties with ASEAN, the EU, Africa, and Latin America, reducing reliance on any single market," Hauge explained. "This multi-pronged approach insulates its economy from external pressures like tariffs."
He characterized Trump’s tariff policies as primarily a negotiation tactic, noting that their economic impact on the Chinese mainland appears limited. However, Hauge cautioned that prolonged trade friction could reshape global supply chains, affecting businesses and investors worldwide.
The analysis comes amid renewed debates about U.S.-China trade dynamics, offering insights for those tracking Asia’s evolving role in the global economy.
