The Chinese state media article claims that the Trump administration is softening its stance on tariffs against China, suggesting that the 145% tariffs will “drop substantially.” The article frames this as a sign of failure of the US trade strategy, portraying China as resilient and the US as struggling with internal backlash, economic downturns, and political pressure.
Factual Elements
Some portions of the article are based on real statements or market movements:
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Trump’s Quote: US President Donald Trump did mention that tariffs would “come down substantially,” but that it “won’t be zero.”
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Stock Market Reaction: The Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 did report gains amid optimism on trade negotiations.
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Economic Concerns: It is true that several US economists and business leaders have expressed concerns about high tariffs leading to consumer price hikes and economic strain.
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Anti-Tariff Declaration: The Anti-Tariff Declaration by economists like Vernon Smith and James Heckman is factual and reflects legitimate domestic opposition in the US.
Misleading Elements
Despite some factual reporting, the article distorts and fabricates implications through selective interpretation:
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The article refers to “145% tariffs” as if this is a new or general rate across Chinese goods.
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✅ Fact: There is no universal 145% tariff. Most tariffs range between 10%-25%. The 145% figure likely refers to a specific product category or is taken out of context to dramatize the issue.
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The article suggests the US administration is “softening” as a sign of policy failure.
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✅ Fact: Trade negotiations are complex and tactical; fluctuations in tone are not proof of defeat but part of negotiation strategies. This is a misrepresentation of diplomatic signaling.
Propaganda Techniques:
Framing Bias (Narrative Control)
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The entire article frames the US as failing and China as dignified and strategic.
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Even minor diplomatic adjustments are interpreted as strategic victories for China.
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This is classic “positive-self, negative-other” framing, a hallmark of nationalist propaganda.
Appeal to Nationalism
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Phrases like “the US tariff bullying is unsustainable” and “China must maintain strategic focus” are emotionally charged.
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These lines are intended to reinforce public support for the Chinese government’s trade stance, regardless of the ground realities.
Strawman Argument
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The article suggests the US thought it could hurt China without hurting itself, which is a caricature of US intentions.
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US officials have repeatedly acknowledged that tariffs are painful but strategic, so this is a false framing of the US policy rationale.
False Balance
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While claiming to report facts from both sides, the article offers extended expert commentary only from Chinese scholars, particularly from state-backed institutions like Renmin University and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
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These experts reinforce the state narrative with little room for counterpoints or US-based voices.
Language & Symbolism:
| Language Used | Intent / Effect |
|---|---|
| “Tariff bullying” | Dehumanizes US policy, appeals to victim narrative |
| “Come down substantially” | Reframed as US retreat |
| “US government… encountering huge difficulties” | Suggests weakness and internal crisis |
| “China must maintain strategic focus” | Portrays China as calm, resilient, rational |
| “US has reduced its credibility” | Strategic delegitimization of US diplomacy |
The article coincides with growing Chinese efforts to shape global public opinion and counter Western narratives, especially around economic independence and “de-dollarization.”
It reflects a broader information war where state-run media platforms like Global Times serve as ideological tools rather than neutral sources.
| Claim Component | Rating |
|---|---|
| Trump’s comment on tariffs dropping | ✅ True |
| 145% blanket tariff figure | ❌ Misleading |
| Interpretation of US retreat | ❌ Propagandist framing |
| Market rebound facts | ✅ Accurate |
| Claims of policy failure | ❌ Exaggerated & speculative |
| Expert opinions used | ❌ One-sided and state-aligned |
While some data points in the Chinese state media article are factual, the overall presentation is designed to prop up the Chinese government, delegitimize the US, and present China as the stable global actor. The narrative leans heavily on state-aligned scholars, inflated numbers, and emotive framing to shape perception rather than reflect balanced journalism.
