China Showing Signs of ‘End-of-Regime Conduct,’ Says Foreign Policy Analyst

China's Recent Moves Raise Alarm for Analyst

Foreign policy analyst Gordon Chang has raised concerns about recent Chinese foreign policy decisions, describing them as indicative of what he calls “end-of-regime conduct.” Speaking on Fox Business’ "Mornings with Maria," Chang pointed to Beijing's increasingly antagonistic stance toward several countries, despite mounting economic pressure. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Chang Points to Aggressive Foreign Policy Stance

"At a time when China needs friends because it's not selling goods to the U.S., it is going out of its way to antagonize not just the Philippines, not just Taiwan, but also South Korea and Australia," said Chang, a senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute. “This shows that... this is end-of-regime conduct, because Xi Jinping, he can't appear to be giving in to the U.S.” Alejandro Luengo / Unsplash

Trump References Talks with Xi Jinping

President Donald Trump, speaking from the White House lawn last Friday, commented on his communications with Xi Jinping. “I’ve spoken to [him] many times,” Trump said. When asked about the content of those discussions, he replied, “I’ll let you know at the appropriate time. Let's see if we can make a deal.” Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

China's Foreign Minister Pushes Back on U.S. Tariffs

In public remarks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defended China’s position. He said that Beijing supports international rules regarding tariffs and described U.S. trade measures as reflecting “extreme egoism.” Wang added that China would seek solidarity with other countries and support multilateralism to “inject stability into the world.” 日本語: 内閣官房内閣広報室 / Wikimedia

Beijing Denies Ongoing Trade Negotiations

Beijing has denied that formal negotiations are currently underway with the U.S. regarding tariffs, which have reached 145% on some American goods and 125% on Chinese products. Kaboompics.com / Pexels

Expert Claims China Quietly Halts Tariffs on Key Imports

Chang noted that, despite this public posture, China appears to be taking steps behind the scenes that may signal retreat. “China, without any announcements, is not collecting tariffs on important goods. So for instance, some semiconductors, aviation products, industrial chemicals, medical devices, some medicines,” he said. Mylene2401 / Pixabay

Chang Interprets Quiet Shift as Major Concession

“This is going to expand,” Chang continued. “It means that China has made an important concession. But it's not saying it's making a concession.” PPPSDavid / Pixabay

Analyst Describes Leadership Behavior as ‘Perplexing’

Chang described the situation as “really very perplexing behavior,” adding, “something is very, very wrong in Beijing right now.” N509FZ / Wikimedia

Report: China Soliciting Exemption Requests from Firms

A Reuters report recently indicated that China’s Ministry of Commerce has asked companies to submit lists of products—ranging from electronics to essential goods—that could potentially be exempt from tariffs, suggesting a quieter approach to easing trade friction. N509FZ / Wikimedia

Chang: Xi Jinping’s Strategy May Limit Diplomatic Flexibility

Chang suggested that political constraints may be limiting Beijing’s options. “He’s been making the claim that China has surpassed the U.S. He can’t look dependent on trade with the U.S. And he certainly can’t look like he’s talking to the U.S. under pressure.” Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan / Wikimedia