China’s Trump Cards for Trump 2.0
As China braces for upcoming US challenges, cyber escalation is likely
Chinese media are chattering about the result of the November 5 US presidential election, what comes next in US-China relations, and how to maneuver in uncertain times. Common themes emerge: “we (China) have seen this before”; there is “nothing to be afraid of”; and “we are ready to take the challenge.” To put this sentiment in perspective, it is worthwhile to look back five years to gain a better understanding of the Chinese government’s attitude toward a second term Trump presidency and the potential cyber implications in 2025.
China’s Three Trump Cards
During the high-tension US-China trade war in June 2019, Fan Yongpeng (范勇鹏), professor and deputy director of the China Institute at Fudan University, told the audience of the “This is China” TV talk show that China had three “trump cards” (王牌) to win that trade war. These three trump cards were: political autonomy; a complete industry and technology ecos…
