China Surrenders to Reality in the Trade Dispute
Trump’s tariffs were an effective weapon, and Beijing had to bend as its economic growth slowed.
By Andy Puzder and Bill Hagerty
Jan. 15, 2020
The U.S. and China signed a “phase one” trade deal Wednesday—a meaningful victory in an economic conflict that’s been building for decades. The agreement is a credit to President Trump’s China strategy and a mark against his detractors.
When Mr. Trump took office, he quickly implemented targeted tariffs to pressure China into ending its abusive trade practices. Critics relentlessly assailed that decision. They contended that his “trade war” would crash the U.S. economy.