In all the confusion of Donald Trump’s trade policies, two things have become clearer. First, that China is the White House’s main tariff target and, second, that Beijing has a strategy that may result in its economy coming out in better shape than America’s.
As Patrick Wintour explains for our big story, the Chinese government looks to have game-played how to “fight to the end” against Trump’s economic animus. Beijing’s signal to the rest of the world that it is committed to multilateral trade and remains a stable partner has been met with a guarded welcome in Europe.
As Rebecca Ratcliffe reports, China’s leader Xi Jinping is also taking that message to Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia, countries that fear US tariffs may heavily damage their US export-reliant economies.
Veteran China watcher Isabel Hilton also examines how the tariff wars could pay off both politically and ideologically for Beijing.
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Five essential reads in this week’s edition
Spotlight | Keeping the home furnaces burning
What was behind the UK government’s urgent recall of parliament to pass a law taking back control of Chinese-owned British Steel? Jasper Jolly and Jessica Elgot explain.
Spotlight | Still no sign of peace in Ukraine
Dan Sabbagh reports from the eastern front as Ukrainian soldiers resign themselves to fight on into a third summer. He also analyses whether Russia’s horrific Palm Sunday attack on residents of Sumy will alter the White House’s attitude to Vladimir Putin.
Feature | How thieves are rolling off with cheese (and salmon too)
Thefts of artisan cheese and other expensive delicacies are on the rise in the UK via scam orders that, as Will Coldwell finds out, have broken the trust between producers and their wholesale customers.
Opinion | Canadian pride swells after Trump’s attacks
Branding his northern neighbour the 51st state has done the US president no favours, says Chris Michael, who charts the ways in which such a ridiculous claim has only boosted unity in Canada.
Culture | The fabric of home
Sean O’Hagan meets South Korean artist Do Ho Suh ahead of a major Tate Modern exhibition of how places he has lived have influenced his work.
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What else we’ve been reading
• Having just got back from an idyllic weekend of fell walking in England’s Lake District, I was intrigued to learn about a new trail dedicated to the region’s most famous bard, William Wordsworth. In truth, the spirits of the Lake Poets will accompany you along pretty much any path, but for first-time visitors this makes a fine starting point. Graham Snowdon, editor
• The novelty of travelling by train from London to cities in Europe has still not worn off after three decades of journeys on Eurostar. However, the operation is in severe need of a refresh, with Covid and Brexit both taking their toll on the service. Jonn Elledge has his fingers crossed for a brighter future. Anthony Naughton, assistant editor
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Other highlights from the Guardian website
• Audio | Ta-Nehisi Coates on why stories matter in the age of Trump – podcast
• Video | Atomic secrets: Ukrainian scientist Dmitry Kalmykov Dmitry debates Kazakhstan’s nuclear future
• Gallery | Dylan Hausthor’s small town dreamscape delve into faith, folklore and nature
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