On September 15th, China and the United States had just concluded a key economic and trade negotiation in Madrid. Before the result was completely implemented, an intriguing remark came from the United States.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said in an interview that it is not possible to raise taxes on China, but there is one condition.
It looks like the United States is “softening”, but listening carefully, is a “conditional concession”.
The United States is talking about conditions, not real concessions
Everyone understands that when the United States now says "no tax increase", it is actually not putting down its weapons, but raising their weapons in the air to see how others react.
Bessent said in an interview that the United States could temporarily refrain from raising taxes on China for buying Russian energy, but with a prerequisite: Europe should not take a hand on China.
In Bessent's original words, the focus is not on "not adding taxes", but on "not interfering with Europe".This is a typical "I don't move, you don't move" strategy.It looks like a peaceful gesture, and the reality is to push responsibility on others.
To put it simply, the United States does not want to overweight China alone now, but it is also unwilling to stop completely. So they want to bring Europe together, and it's best for everyone to put pressure on China together.
But the question is, is Europe willing to do so, or is Europe unwilling to pay for America’s plans?
The operation of the United States, in fact, is more like leaving a "background card" on the negotiating table. once Europe does not cooperate, the United States can say: "You do not move, I do not move."
Regardless of the circumstances, the United States can retain the initiative.In this way, the so-called "no taxation" is not at all honesty, but strategy.
The U.S. calculates well, and behind it are economic and political doubles.
On the surface, the U.S. puts the relationship between China and Russia on the table, saying that China’s purchase of Russian oil is “supporting the opponent,” but the real purpose is far more than that.
Further, the United States wants to take this opportunity to continue to stabilize its position and test the attitude of Europe.
On the one hand, the United States itself knows that the increase in taxes on China has also a impact on its own economy.The current inflation pressure is not small, the supply chain has not yet fully recovered, and another round of tax increases, I am afraid to move the stone and knock on its feet.
So America now needs a ladder and a collaborator, and Europe is the “best target to keep pace.”
On the other hand, the U.S. is also pushing the economic blockade of Russia forward in this way. From their logic, as long as Europe can take tougher measures against China and India, Russia's "export channels" can be compressed globally.
This is not only a blow to Russia, it is also consolidating America’s own global influence.
Therefore, Bescent's words are not only for China, but also for Europe. He is tantamount to telling Europe, "If you don't get on the bus, I won't move first; If you get on the bus, then let's start together." This is not cooperation, but temptation.
Europe's attitude is unclear, US "conditions" are counterweight
In the end, the U.S. "conditional non-taxation" approach has not succeeded in China, but in Europe.
Judging from the current situation, Europe neither wants to anger China nor completely offend the United States, and is in a very embarrassing situation.
On the one hand, it is almost politically correct that Europe needs to stand with the United States on the war in Ukraine. But on the other hand, they also know what it means to do something to China.
China is one of the EU's largest trading partners, and many countries' manufacturing and export markets can not be separated from China.
More realistically, Europe itself is also facing economic pressures, such as high inflation, rising energy costs and social instability, which have left governments on the lookout.
If taxes are increased on Chinese products at this juncture, the pressure of rising prices will be further increased, and ordinary people will not buy it in the first place.
So, even if the American word is overwhelmed, Europe is not necessarily willing to follow. This uncertainty, in turn, makes America's "prerequisites" a vulnerability. If Europe does not cooperate, the United States will not only fail to its goals, but will be forced to shrink itself.
China’s position is clear and it does not respond quickly.
In the face of the US’s “prerequisite concessions”, China’s attitude has been clear.
After the Madrid negotiations, on September 15th, local time, Li Chenggang, the international trade negotiator of China's Ministry of Commerce, also expressed several important positions of China through a press conference: opposing the politicization of economic, trade and scientific and technological issues; Technology exports must be approved in accordance with the law; Cooperation should be based on mutual benefit and win-win results.
In other words, China is not taken away by the “conditions” of the United States, but adheres to its own rhythm, especially in the current big environment, China emphasizes stability, dialogue and rational handling.
This relentless attitude, in fact, gives the other person a clear signal: you can draw, but we will not passively pick up.
Moreover, China also reminded that any sanctions and restrictions must be based on international law and the framework of the United Nations, and can not engage in "who said the calculation".
Judging from China's response, it is neither emotional nor evasive problems, but speaks through systems and rules. This approach is not only tenable, but also gives Europe more room for thinking.
After all, if China and the United States can continue to talk, Europe doesn't have to be forced to take sides.
The cards on the negotiating table are not finished, the real game has just begun.
The negotiations in Madrid are over, but the situation is far from clear. The United States said that it was necessary not to raise taxes, but only if Europe did not intervene. Such a statement sounded like a concession, but in fact it set another threshold.
China does not have the full list, but continues to adhere to its bottom line and principles.Europe is in a state of expectation, neither willing to be taken away by the United States nor dare to blame China easily.
This seemingly progressive negotiation actually only unveiled a more complicated contest. The United States wants to test its opponents and allies through this "conditional exemption", but the success of this move largely depends on the attitude of Europe.
If Europe does not cooperate, the United States will re-evaluate its strategy; if Europe shakes, the situation could change again.
At present, all three parties have left room, and no one has completely shown their cards. Everything is still in the chess stage. The calm in front of us does not mean that the problem has been solved, but various possibilities have not been triggered.
The real decision-making moment is yet to come. The United States wants to hold the initiative in its hands, but the United States is not alone playing chess in the world. China's stability and Europe's hesitation are quietly changing the direction of the situation.
The reference information:
The U.S. Treasury Secretary deceived again: Europe will attack China and India first, and then the United States will follow-Observer.com 2025-09-16 08:12
We will actively implement the consensus of the heads of state, give full play to the role of the consultation mechanism, and reach the framework consensus for the talks in Madrid. —Global Network 2025-09-17 06:42