Xi’s real test is not Trump’s trade war

If you say the name Donald Trump in the halls of wholesale markets and trade fairs in China, you’ll hear a faint chuckle.

The impact of Trump’s tariffs has not instilled fear in Chinese traders, who instead respond with humor and viral memes, showcasing their resilience. Despite facing significant domestic challenges such as a housing crisis, job insecurity, and an ageing population that dampens consumer spending, Chinese leadership remains confident in self-reliance and aims to shift focus from exports to internal demand, though substantial changes will take time.