The Chinese government has announced it will lift an additional 24% tariff on American goods for one year, originally imposed in April. However, a 10% duty remains in place. Experts see this move as a temporary step toward easing trade tension between China and the United States. While agreements between Washington and Beijing are being put into practice, a fundamental shift in China’s broader policy focused on global economic expansion is not expected.
Donald Trump emphasizes a strict stance toward China, assuring that there will be no military takeover of Taiwan during his presidency. China avoids escalation, both in Taiwan and Europe, prioritizing stability in the European market, which is crucial for Chinese industry. However, China’s relationship with Russia continues to influence the situation in Europe, and Beijing uses this dynamic to advance its interests.
One powerful lever China holds is its dominance in the extraction and processing of rare earth metals. The US seeks to reduce its dependence on Chinese imports, though experts doubt a quick solution is possible. China’s export controls on rare earths put added pressure on the US economy.
A meeting is expected between US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Trump may try to persuade Hungary to lift its veto on Ukraine’s EU accession talks by offering economic or political incentives. However, experts question the effectiveness of such leverage given Hungary's long-term energy contracts with Russia.
Hungary and Orbán, though willing to negotiate with the US, act according to pragmatic economic interests. Trump’s direct influence on Orbán is limited, with energy supply terms and pricing remaining central. Meanwhile, European states are discussing sanctions against Hungary for breaches of EU values, but practical implementation remains uncertain.
Overall, lowered US-China trade tensions seem to have limited influence on the Russia-Ukraine war, and the outcomes of the Trump-Orbán meeting could test Europe’s approach to Ukraine’s integration.
