China analyst and Momentum Works founder Jianggan joins Jeremy Au to break down how US–China tensions evolved through a year of tariffs, rare earth leverage, supply chain shocks, and fast-moving geopolitical swings. They examine why both sides misread each other, how Chinese companies adapted faster than expected, and why the global system settled into a tactical pause instead of a decisive split. Their discussion shows how on-the-ground China differs from Western narratives, how product iteration and factory conditions changed under competitive pressure, and why neither side can force a quick victory. Jianggan also shares insights from thirteen trips across China as he tracks e-commerce exporters, shifting macro sentiment, and the emerging negotiation patterns that shape 2026.

02:28 US tariffs aimed to hurt China but failed to break its exporters: Chinese firms diversified markets, adjusted production, and kept shipping strong volumes even as analysts expected collapse.

03:08 China deployed rare earths and soybeans as leverage: Beijing used export controls, licensing rules, and supply pivots to respond in structured tit for tat moves that surprised US policymakers.

07:04 A tactical pause replaced escalation: Both sides realized they could not win quickly, creating a fragile equilibrium shaped by low trust but stable expectations.

10:06 Factory floors tell a different story: Air-conditioned warehouses, livestreamed food production, one dollar meals, and rising worker savings show a more complex China than what headlines describe.

21:12 Chinese product cycles sped up dramatically: Exporters improved quality within a year, added more features, and stayed cheaper, putting global incumbents under real pressure.

26:26 Narratives on both sides miss the nuance: Sensational media framing and echo chambers make Americans underestimate China and make Chinese underestimate America.

29:06 TikTok deal shows coexistence is possible: Restructuring turned adversaries into stakeholders and created a template for how cross-border platforms can operate under political pressure.

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