Understanding China’s trade and tech war with the US requires insight into Xi Jinping’s personal history of humiliation and resilience, stemming from his political purging during youth. This emotional backdrop influences his perception of US tariffs and sanctions as attempts to delegitimize China, prompting a long-term strategy focused on domestic capacity and resistance rather than conventional victory. However, this “protracted war” mindset may hinder adaptability, creating strategic blind spots in the fast-paced global economy, suggesting that US pressure alone won’t compel Xi to negotiate.
