Trump’s U-Turn on Tariffs Goes Viral in China as ‘Backing Down’

President Donald Trump’s recent statements hinting at a substantial reduction in tariffs imposed on Chinese goods without specifying details have gone viral in China. The remarks, perceived as another unpredictable twist in the ongoing trade tensions, quickly became the center of mocking comments and posts online. The hashtag “Trump chickened out” gained immense traction on Weibo, reaching over 150 million views and becoming the top trending topic on Thursday morning (April 24, 2025). Trump stated on Tuesday that he was committed to adopting a more conciliatory tone in negotiations, moving away from harsh tactics. However, Beijing remained steadfast. A representative from China’s Ministry of Commerce, He Yadong, downplayed the significance, reiterating China’s position: willingness to negotiate but not under pressure or threats of triple-digit tariffs. Analysts suggest Trump’s shift is due to internal pressures and efforts to calm markets. ‘China does not trust Trump’s intentions,’ said Wang Yiwei from Renmin University, highlighting fluctuations in American positions and growing domestic pressures. Similar views were expressed by Fu Dan University’s Guo Xinbo, who noted that Beijing isn’t rushing into negotiations and is prepared to endure further economic pressures. Despite official Chinese resolve, some experts question whether engaging in a prolonged standoff with Washington is wise, citing concerns about the impact of high tariffs on China’s slowing economy. Trump’s tariff reversal came a day after meeting executives from major U.S. retail giants like Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, who voiced concerns about the rising economic fallout from his tariff policies. Although unclear on specifics, a senior White House official told the Wall Street Journal that existing 145% tariffs on China could be reduced by approximately 50% to 65%.