US, Chinese leaders face off in trade war: Limits of pain, endurance

In the ongoing trade war between the US and China, both leaders, President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping, have displayed their willingness to endure hardships for national interests.

However, their reactions to the economic turmoil triggered by tariffs reveal contrasting limits to their endurance, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Trump, while imposing global tariffs that caused stock market sell-offs and wiped out trillions of dollars in wealth, initially remained calm, advising Americans to “Be cool.” Yet, when faced with rising government bond yields and financial instability, he blinked, pausing some tariffs for 90 days, conceding to his rival Xi Jinping.

Xi, ruling with absolute authority, is known for his unwavering stance during times of difficulty. Unlike Trump, Xi is not particularly concerned about economic pressures like tariffs. “Tariffs and even economic sanctions are not Xi Jinping’s pressure points,” said Hao Qun, an exiled Chinese novelist. “He is not particularly concerned about the hardships tariffs may cause for ordinary people.”

Xi’s leadership style reflects his long-standing belief in enduring hardship for the sake of national pride. His experiences growing up during the Cultural Revolution shaped his philosophy of resilience. “The seven tough years I spent living and working in the countryside were a great test for me,” Xi said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

This mentality resonates with the Chinese public, who were encouraged by Xi during the Covid-19 pandemic to "eat bitterness," enduring severe lockdowns and economic strain. While China’s economic challenges are mounting, particularly in the wake of the real estate crisis and tariffs, Xi's primary concern remains the legitimacy of the Communist Party.

Trump, unlike Xi, is facing increasing pressure from financial markets and the billionaires who supported his campaign. Some, including Elon Musk, have voiced their concerns about his tariff policies, highlighting the limits of Trump’s endurance compared to Xi’s unyielding resolve.

Xi, despite the economic challenges, has proven that his pain point is the stability of the Communist Party’s rule. “China’s development has always relied on self-reliance and hard work; never on the charity of others,” Xi stated in his first public comments about the tariff war.

For both leaders, this trade standoff is not just about economics but about testing the resolve of their people and their ability to withstand hardship for the sake of national interests.

By Vafa Guliyeva