11 April 2025

US Protectionism Reborn: Trump’s Response to China’s Ascendancy - Opinion

Dr. Hasim Turker

The onset of the second term of President Donald Trump has been accompanied by a marked escalation in the protectionist nature of US trade policies, reflecting profound strategic concerns over the widening economic and technological disparities between the United States and China. The Trump administration has espoused a protectionist stance, recognizing it as a pivotal strategy to address the perceived decline of the United States in pivotal sectors that fuel economic prosperity and national security, as compared to China.
A Narrowing Technological Gap

The United States has historically dominated global innovation and maintained technological supremacy in critical sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and renewable energy. However, recent developments indicate that China has made substantial progress in this area, driven by a combination of state-led strategic initiatives and sustained investments. In the year 2023, for instance, China’s investment in R&D surged to approximately $722.8 billion, nearly matching the 784-billion-dollar figure recorded in the United States. The convergence of these trends signifies a notable shift in the balance of technological superiority, a matter of significant concern for US policymakers. The urgency of this situation is underscored by President Trump’s introduction of protectionist measures.

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