The US and China called a truce on tariffs, but is the battleground expanding?

After China and the United States agreed to a temporary truce in the trade war during talks in Geneva last week, tensions have again flared – casting doubt on any lasting de-escalation.

Beijing then accused Washington of “long-arm jurisdiction” and “maliciously blockading and suppressing Chinese chip products and the AI industry without justification”. Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian urged the US to halt “protectionist and unilateral bullying practices” and “stop its baseless suppression of Chinese technology companies and the AI industry”.

According to analysts, the latest ban on Huawei chips – crucial to Beijing’s efforts to develop its own advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence – signals that US President Donald Trump is looking to expand the battleground beyond tariffs and tighten tech restrictions on China.

But Beijing is not just playing defence. Analysts say China is now better prepared and actively countering US restrictions, including with its own export controls and self-reliance to ensure it is not at the mercy of another country.

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China, US slash most tariffs on each other after first round of trade talks

Zhao Minghao, a professor at Fudan University’s Institute of International Studies in Shanghai, said the US crackdown on Huawei chips was “significant” as it reflected Washington’s growing concerns over the tech giant’s progress.

South China Morning Post