This episode of "The English Globe" explains the US-China trade war, detailing the historical economic rise of China and America's long-standing dominance, and how their competition impacts global economics, technology, and international relations.
[Music]
Hello dear listeners. Welcome to the
English Globe. It's wonderful to have
you here with us today. This is the
place where we explore the most
important global stories while helping
you improve your English listening and
understanding skills. Whether you're
learning English for school, work, or
travel, our goal is to help you grow
step by step through meaningful and
interesting topics from around the
world. That's right, Adam. And today's
episode is about one of the most talked
about subjects in global economics.
China's economic rise versus America's
dominance, the trade war explained.
This topic is not only about two
countries competing, but also about how
their actions influence the entire
world. From the price of goods in your
local market to the future of technology
and international relations.
>> Exactly. We often hear about the trade
war between the United States and China
on the news, but many people, especially
English learners, don't really
understand what it means or why it
happened. Today, we'll explain
everything in simple and clear English.
We'll explore how China became an
economic superpower, how America has
maintained its global leadership for
decades, and what happens when these two
powerful nations compete for global influence.
influence.
Before we dive deep into today's
discussion, dear listeners, we kindly
ask you to take a quick moment to
support our work. If you enjoy
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>> Yes, and we would love to hear from you.
Please tell us in the comments where
you're listening from. We have listeners
from all around the world, from Asia to
Europe, from Africa to America. And we'd
love to know your thoughts. What do you
think about the topic? Do you believe
China is rising faster than America?
Share your opinion below. Your comment
might even be read in our next episode.
>> Now, let's begin by understanding why
this topic is so important. The trade
relationship between China and the
United States is one of the largest and
most influential in the world. These two
countries together represent more than
1/3 of the world's total economy. That
means when they cooperate, global growth
becomes strong and when they conflict,
the effects can be felt everywhere from
your country's economy to your daily
shopping costs.
>> That's a great point. For example, when
the US and China place tariffs on each
other's products, prices for everyday
items like electronics, clothes, and
food can increase. Companies may
struggle, jobs may be affected, and the
global stock markets can become
unstable. So, even if you live far away
from both countries, their decisions
still have a big impact on your life.
That's what makes this topic so relevant
to everyone listening today.
Another reason this discussion matters
is that it helps us understand how the
world economy works. Learning about
trade, investment, and competition can
give you a clearer picture of how
nations develop and interact. For
English learners, this is a perfect
opportunity to learn useful words such
as tariffs, exports, imports, trade
deficit, and globalization.
These terms often appear in
international news, so understanding
them can make you a more informed global citizen.
citizen.
>> Yes, and we'll explain each of those
words in a simple way throughout the
episode. But before we do that, let's
take a moment to reflect on how we got
here. For many decades, the United
States was the world's dominant economic
power. Its technology, companies, and
global currency gave it huge influence.
But over the last 40 years, China has
been growing at an incredible speed,
lifting hundreds of millions of people
out of poverty and becoming the world's
factory for goods of every kind. >> Exactly.
>> Exactly.
From toys to smartphones, clothes to
cars, many of the products we use
everyday are made in China. This
manufacturing strength gave China an
enormous advantage in global trade.
Meanwhile, the US focused more on
innovation, technology, and finance. For
a long time, this system worked well.
China produced, America consumed, and
the world economy benefited. But
eventually, the balance began to change,
and that's where tension started.
>> You're absolutely right. When China's
economy began to challenge America's
dominance, both sides started to compete
more aggressively. The US accused China
of unfair trade practices such as
selling goods too cheaply or protecting
its local industries with government
help. China on the other hand said the
US was trying to block its growth and
stop it from reaching its full potential
as a modern global power.
>> And that competition slowly turned into
what we now call a trade war. It's
important to remember though that this
is not a traditional war with weapons
and armies. Instead, it's an economic
war, a conflict fought with tariffs,
regulations, and restrictions that
affect companies, workers, and consumers.
consumers.
Understanding this helps us realize how
powerful economies can shape the modern
world without even firing a single shot.
And what makes this topic so
fascinating, Julia, is that it's not
only about economics. It's also about
politics, technology, and ideology.
On one side, the United States believes
in free markets and private enterprise.
On the other side, China's government
plays a strong role in directing its
economy and supporting its industries.
These two different systems are now
competing for global influence in Asia,
Africa, Europe, and even cyerspace.
>> That's right. And in today's
interconnected world, this competition
affects every nation and every person.
The smartphone you're holding, the
clothes you wear, and even the prices of
fuel or food are all influenced by this
economic relationship. That's why
learning about it is so valuable. It
gives us a clearer understanding of how
deeply connected our lives are to global
events and why every economic decision
by these superpowers matters.
>> So throughout this podcast, we'll
carefully explore each part of the
story. How China rose to become an
economic giant, how America built and
maintained its dominance, what caused
the trade war, and what it means for the
future of global trade and cooperation.
We'll use simple English to make sure
you can follow along easily, even if
you're just starting your English
learning journey.
>> And don't forget, dear listeners, that
this is not just a story about politics
or economics. It's also a lesson about
human ambition, progress, and
competition. It's a story about how
nations grow, adapt, and struggle for
influence in a fast changing world. By
understanding this topic, you'll not
only improve your English, but also
develop a deeper understanding of how
our global community works.
>> So, make sure to stay with us till the
end of this episode. We promise that by
the time we finish, you'll have a much
clearer idea of what the US China trade
war is really about, why it started, and
what lessons we can all learn from it.
And once again, please like this video,
subscribe to the English Globe, and
share your opinion in the comments. Your
support means a lot to us, and it helps
our growing community of English
learners stay connected and inspired.
>> Perfectly said, Adam. Now that we've
introduced the topic and set the stage
for this global rivalry, let's go back
in time and explore how China's economic
rise actually began. Understanding the
history behind China's growth will help
us see why the trade war became such a
major global issue. To really understand
the trade war between the United States
and China, we need to go back in time
and look at how China's economic rise
began. It's not something that happened
overnight. It's a story that started
more than 40 years ago when China was a
very different country. Much poorer,
much less connected to the outside
world, and still recovering from years
of internal struggle.
>> That's true.
In the late 1970s, China was facing
enormous economic challenges. The
country was mostly rural with most
people working on farms and earning very
little money. Industrial production was
low. International trade was almost
non-existent and the nation's economy
was under a strict communist system that
did not allow private business or
foreign investment.
>> But then came a major turning point. In
1978, a new leader named Deng Xiaoing
introduced a series of reforms that
would change China forever. He called
them reform and opening up. These
reforms allowed people to start their
own small businesses, let farmers sell
their crops in markets, and opened
certain cities to foreign companies that
wanted to invest and build factories.
>> Yes. And that was a historic decision.
Dang Xiaoping once famously said, "It
doesn't matter whether a cat is black or
white as long as it catches mice."
What he meant was that it didn't matter
if an idea came from capitalism or
socialism. If it helped the country
grow, it was worth trying. That simple
but powerful idea completely changed the
direction of China's economy and made it
one of the most remarkable
transformations in modern history. At
first, the change was slow, but by the
1980s and 1990s, China's economy began
to grow faster than almost any other country.
country.
New factories appeared, cities expanded,
and millions of people moved from rural
areas to urban centers looking for
better jobs. Foreign companies,
especially from the United States,
Japan, and Europe, began investing
heavily in China because the labor costs
were low and production efficiency was high.
high. >> Exactly.
>> Exactly.
This created what economists call the
world's factory. China became the global
center for manufacturing, producing
everything from clothes, toys, and
electronics to furniture and machinery.
The country's ports, highways, and
railways expanded rapidly, turning China
into a major hub of international trade.
For example, cities like Shenzhen, which
were once small fishing towns, grew into
massive industrial and technological centers.
centers.
One of the most important moments came
in 2001 when China joined the World
Trade Organization, often known as the
WTO. This step opened the door for even
greater trade and investment
opportunities. It allowed China to sell
its products to more countries without
facing high tariffs and restrictions.
This decision helped China integrate
deeply into the global economy and made
it an essential player in international trade.
trade.
>> That's right. After joining the WTO,
China's exports exploded. Factories
began producing not only for domestic
use, but also for major western brands.
If you looked at almost any product
label during that time, you would often
see three words: made in China. It
became a symbol of the country's global
presence in manufacturing. By the mid
2000s, China was exporting goods to
every corner of the world and its
economy was growing by nearly 10% every
year. However, this rapid growth also
came with challenges. Millions of people
moved to cities creating huge urban
populations. The demand for housing,
transportation, and public services
increased dramatically.
At the same time, China faced issues
such as environmental pollution, income
inequality, and labor conditions. But
despite those difficulties, the country
continued to push forward, focusing on
modernization and innovation.
>> Another key reason behind China's
success was its ability to learn from
others. Chinese engineers and
entrepreneurs studied how western
industries worked, adopted modern
technologies, and often improved them.
The government also played a strong role
by planning long-term development
strategies, building new infrastructure,
supporting education, and encouraging
research in science and technology.
>> And we should also remember the role of
education. China began investing heavily
in schools, universities, and technical
training centers. The government
believed that economic growth needed
skilled people who could work with new
technology and develop modern
industries. As a result, millions of
young students began studying
engineering, mathematics, and science.
Subjects that later helped China
dominate fields like manufacturing,
robotics, and information technology.
Another part of China's success story is
its population size. With more than 1.4
billion people, China had a huge labor
force. This gave it a big advantage over
smaller countries. Global companies saw
this as an opportunity. They could
produce goods cheaply and quickly in
China and then sell them worldwide. Over
time, this created jobs, lifted millions
of people out of poverty, and built a
strong middle class that began buying
more products, including international brands.
brands.
>> Exactly. And as the Chinese middle class
grew, so did the domestic market. China
was no longer just a country that
produced goods for export. It also
became a major consumer of global
products. International car companies,
fashion brands, and technology firms
started focusing on China's market
because of its growing number of
customers with strong purchasing power.
>> By the 2010s, China had become the
world's second largest economy, just
behind the United States. This
transformation was one of the fastest in
human history. In only four decades,
China moved from being an isolated and
lowincome country to becoming an
industrial and technological superpower.
Its success became a model that many
developing countries wanted to follow.
>> But with that success came new
challenges. The United States, which had
been the dominant economic power for
decades, began to see China's rise as a
potential threat to its leadership.
American companies were facing strong
competition from Chinese firms and the
trade gap between the two nations was
growing rapidly. In simple terms, the US
was buying far more from China than
China was buying from the US, creating
what is called a trade deficit.
>> That trade deficit became one of the key
reasons for growing tension between the
two countries. Many American workers and
politicians began to worry that China's
rise was happening at the cost of
American jobs. They argued that US
industries were suffering because
companies moved their production to
China to save money. On the other hand,
China argued that its growth was based
on hard work, innovation, and smart
planning, not unfair practices.
>> This difference in views eventually led
to frustration, suspicion, and finally confrontation.
confrontation.
But before we move to the trade war
itself, it's important to appreciate
just how far China had come. From a
closed economy to a global powerhouse,
its journey was shaped by vision,
discipline, and determination. It's a
reminder that economic growth takes
time, planning, and a willingness to change.
change.
>> Well said, Julia. China's story shows
that no nation's position in the world
is permanent. economic power can shift
just like history itself. What makes
this story even more interesting is that
while China was rising, the United
States was still maintaining its global
dominance through innovation, education,
and finance. To fully understand the
trade war, we also need to understand
how America built that dominance in the
first place. >> Exactly.
>> Exactly.
In our next section, we'll explore the
fascinating story of how the United
States became the world's leading
economic power. From the postworld war
II era to the rise of Silicon Valley and
the global dominance of the US dollar,
understanding that history will help us
see why the trade rivalry between these
two nations became so intense. To
understand the trade war and global
competition between the United States
and China, we first need to explore how
America became the world's leading
economic power. The story of American
dominance begins after World War II, a
time when most of the world was
rebuilding from destruction, and the
United States emerged stronger than
ever. Its factories, industries, and
infrastructure were intact, and it held
enormous amounts of gold and resources
compared to other nations.
Exactly. After 1945, the world was
exhausted from years of war. Many
countries in Europe and Asia were deeply
damaged. But the United States had not
only survived, it had thrived. During
the war, America's industries produced
weapons, machinery, vehicles, and
technology that made it the
manufacturing center of the world. After
the war ended, those same factories
turned their attention toward consumer
goods like cars, radios, refrigerators,
and later televisions.
>> And with this industrial strength came
financial dominance. In 1944, during the
final stages of World War II, world
leaders met at a conference in a place
called Breton Woods in the United
States. There they agreed that the
American dollar would become the world's
main currency for trade and finance.
This agreement gave the United States an
enormous advantage because other
countries began to hold US dollars as
reserves, use them in trade, and trust
in the stability of the American economy.
economy.
>> Yes. And that trust became the
foundation of global trade for decades.
The US dollar was backed by gold at the
time, which gave it even more
credibility. Countries that needed loans
for rebuilding, such as Germany, Japan,
and France, looked to the United States
for financial help. America supported
the reconstruction of Europe through the
Marshall Plan, a massive economic aid
program that helped restore industries,
rebuild cities, and create strong
political alliances.
That period also marked the beginning of
what many economists call the American
century. The United States became not
only an economic superpower but also a
political and cultural one. American
companies spread across the world.
American universities attracted
international students and American
technology began shaping everyday life.
Products like Coca-Cola, Ford cars,
Levis's jeans, and later computers from
IBM became symbols of modern progress
and global influence.
>> It's fascinating to see how innovation
became one of America's greatest
strengths. During the 1950s and 1960s,
the United States invested heavily in
research, science, and education.
The government supported programs that
developed new technologies from the
first satellites in space to advanced
computer systems.
This spirit of innovation helped create
worldchanging companies such as
Microsoft, Apple, and Intel, which would
later define the modern digital age.
>> And don't forget the role of the
American dream. The idea that anyone,
regardless of background, could succeed
through hard work and creativity.
This belief inspired generations of
inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs
to build new industries and take risks.
Silicon Valley, located in California,
became the heart of global innovation,
producing technology that changed how
people work, communicate, and live.
>> Another major factor in America's rise
was its strong system of democracy and
rule of law. These provided stability
and encouraged investment from both
domestic and foreign sources. People
trusted that their businesses and ideas
would be protected. This stability
combined with access to capital and a
culture that rewarded innovation made
the United States a magnet for talented
individuals from all over the world.
>> That's a great point. Immigration played
a big role in America's success. Many of
the scientists, engineers, and
entrepreneurs who shaped modern
industries were immigrants or children
of immigrants. They brought fresh ideas,
different experiences, and a desire to
succeed. This diversity of minds gave
the United States a unique edge in
science, technology, and creativity,
something that continues to this day.
>> At the same time, America's global
leadership also depended on its
alliances. After World War II, the US
helped create major international
institutions such as the United Nations,
the World Bank, and the International
Monetary Fund. These organizations were
designed to maintain peace, promote
development, and stabilize global trade.
By leading these institutions, the US
positioned itself at the center of the
new world order, guiding the direction
of international policy and economics.
During the Cold War, which lasted from
the late 1940s to the early 1990s,
America faced strong competition from
the Soviet Union. But that rivalry was
mostly political and military. In terms
of economy, the United States remained
unmatched. Its companies expanded
globally. Its currency dominated world
trade, and its people enjoyed a standard
of living that was higher than almost
anywhere else on Earth. >> Indeed.
>> Indeed.
And what's interesting is that even
after the Cold War ended, America's
influence only grew stronger. When the
Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the
United States became the world's only
superpower, both politically and economically.
economically.
The 1990s were known as a decade of
American globalization.
Free trade agreements like NAFTA and the
growth of international companies such
as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft made
the US the hub of global commerce and technology.
technology.
>> Yes. And this dominance was supported by
the power of the dollar. Because the US
dollar was used everywhere from oil
trading to international banking,
America could easily influence global
finance. Central banks around the world
held US dollars as reserves, which gave
the United States a level of control and
stability that no other country could
match. This made America the financial
heartbeat of the global economy.
>> But of course, with great power comes
responsibility and sometimes overconfidence.
overconfidence.
While America enjoyed decades of
economic leadership, some industries
began to face new challenges.
manufacturing jobs started moving
overseas to countries where production
costs were lower. This process, called
outsourcing, allowed companies to save
money, but also led to job losses for
many American workers. And one of the
biggest destinations for outsourced
production was, you guessed it, China.
>> That's a very important observation.
As China opened its doors to the world
and began building a strong
manufacturing base, many American
companies saw an opportunity. They could
produce goods in China at a much lower
cost and then sell them globally at
higher profits. This arrangement worked
well for a while. American consumers got
cheaper products, companies earned more
money, and China's economy grew rapidly.
But over time, it created an imbalance
that would later lead to tension.
Exactly. The trade relationship that
once seemed mutually beneficial slowly
started to cause problems. America's
trade deficit with China, meaning it was
importing far more than it was
exporting, became a growing concern.
Some US leaders began to argue that
China was gaining too much economic
power and using unfair trade practices,
such as keeping its currency value low
or supporting local industries with
government help. And that's where the
story starts to connect with the
present. While the United States
continued to lead in innovation,
technology, and finance, China's rapid
industrial rise began to challenge that
dominance. The world was entering a new
kind of competition, one not defined by
war or ideology, but by economics,
trade, and technology.
The US still had enormous strengths, a
powerful military, the world's leading
universities, and some of the biggest
tech companies in history. But China was
catching up fast. It was no longer just
producing lowcost goods. It was building
advanced products, developing new
technologies, and investing heavily in
areas like artificial intelligence, 5G
networks, and renewable energy.
This marked the beginning of a new
global reality, one where two giants
stood face to face, each with its own
vision for the future. On one side was
the United States, representing decades
of dominance through innovation and free
markets. On the other was China, a
rising power with a state-led economic
model focused on long-term strategy and
rapid growth. The world was now watching
closely to see what would happen next.
>> And that brings us to the roots of the
US-China trade war to truly understand
why tensions began rising and how they
turned into one of the most important
economic conflicts of the modern era.
We'll explore in the next section the
early signs of disagreement from tariffs
and trade deficits to accusations of
unfair competition.
So stay tuned, dear listeners, because
in the next part, we'll uncover how this
peaceful economic partnership slowly
transformed into a fierce trade rivalry.
We'll explain what a trade war really
means, how it affects countries around
the world, and why it matters to every
global citizen. To understand how the
US-China trade war started, we must
first look at the trade relationship
between the two countries. For decades,
the United States has bought far more
goods from China than it sold to them.
This situation created what economists
call a trade deficit, meaning the US was
importing much more than it was
exporting. Many American politicians
believed this imbalance was unfair and
harmful because it sent money and jobs
out of the country while helping China
grow stronger and richer.
>> Yes, Adam, that trade deficit became one
of the main reasons for rising tension.
American leaders felt that China was
taking advantage of global trade rules.
The US accused China of keeping its
currency low to make exports cheaper and
of not giving American companies the
same market access that Chinese firms
enjoyed in the United States.
This imbalance made many in Washington
believe that the trade system was not
equal and needed serious reform to
protect American industries and workers.
Another major issue was intellectual
property theft. This means ideas,
designs or technology created by one
company are copied or used by another
without permission.
Many US businesses claimed that Chinese
companies were using their inventions
without paying for them. American
officials also argued that Chinese laws
forced foreign companies to share their
technology if they wanted to do business
in China. This, they said, gave Chinese
companies unfair advantages in high-tech
industries like electronics and telecommunications.
telecommunications.
>> That's right. And it didn't stop there.
Many US officials also said that China's
government was heavily supporting its
own companies through subsidies. Money
given to help local businesses compete
globally. When a government helps
companies lower their prices, they can
sell goods more cheaply around the
world. The US believed this hurt fair
competition because American companies
had to play by different rules without
that kind of government support. This
made tensions rise even further between
the two sides.
>> All these concerns eventually pushed the
US government to act. In 2018, under
President Donald Trump, Washington
launched a series of tariffs on Chinese
imports. A tariff is a special tax
placed on goods coming from another
country. The idea was simple. Make
Chinese products more expensive so that
people in the US would buy American
goods instead. The goal was to reduce
the trade deficit and pressure China to
change its trade and technology policies.
policies.
>> China, of course, didn't stay quiet.
They quickly responded by placing their
own tariffs on American goods such as
soybeans, cars, and energy products.
This back and forth created a chain
reaction that affected companies,
farmers, and consumers in both
countries. Prices started to rise,
supply chains were disrupted, and
markets became more unstable. What began
as a dispute over trade rules slowly
turned into a much larger struggle over
who would lead the global economy in the future.
future.
>> The trade war was not only about money.
It was also about power, technology, and
influence. Both countries wanted to
protect their national interests. For
the United States, it was about keeping
its global leadership in innovation and
production. For China, it was about
defending its right to grow and compete
on the world stage. These deep
differences made it difficult to find
common ground, and that's why the
conflict continued for several years.
And even though there were negotiations
and temporary agreements, the tension
never fully disappeared. The trade war
exposed the reality that both nations
were not just trade partners. They were
rivals with different goals and systems.
It changed how countries around the
world viewed globalization and made many
realize how deeply connected yet
politically divided the global economy
had become. Now that we've understood
why the trade war began, let's move to
one of its most powerful and visible
tools, tariffs. In simple English, a
tariff is a tax that a country places on
goods coming from another country. For
example, if the United States puts a
tariff on Chinese electronics, it means
that when those products enter the US,
importers must pay extra money to the
government. This makes Chinese goods
more expensive in American stores. The
main goal is to make people buy more
local products instead of foreign ones.
Tariffs have been used throughout
history to protect local industries, but
in this case, they became weapons in a
modern economic battle between the
world's two largest economies.
>> That's right, Adam. When President
Trump's administration introduced
tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018, they
targeted hundreds of products from steel
and aluminum to clothing, electronics,
and machinery. The total value of these
tariffs reached hundreds of billions of
dollars. China quickly responded by
placing its own tariffs on American
goods like soybeans, cars, and
airplanes. This back and forth became
known as the tit fortat strategy. When
both sides keep responding to each
other's moves, it created uncertainty in
global trade and affected not just these
two countries but also businesses and
markets all over the world.
>> The idea behind the tariffs was simple.
To protect American jobs and industries
by making imported goods more expensive.
However, in reality, the situation was
much more complicated. When tariffs are
applied, companies that import goods
have to pay more money to bring them in.
Most of the time, those companies don't
absorb the cost themselves. Instead,
they raise the prices for consumers.
This means that ordinary people, not the
government or the companies, often end
up paying more when they buy products
affected by tariffs. So instead of
helping everyone, tariffs sometimes made
daily life more expensive for Americans.
Buying phones, clothes, or even cars
that contain Chinese-made parts.
>> Yes. And the impact on American farmers
was especially painful. China was one of
the biggest buyers of US agricultural
products, especially soybeans. But when
China imposed tariffs in response, it
reduced its imports of American crops.
This left many US farmers struggling to
find new buyers for their harvests.
Prices for soybeans dropped sharply and
many farmers across the Midwest faced
serious financial losses. The US
government eventually provided billions
of dollars in aid to support them. But
for many families, the damage was
already done.
This shows how global trade decisions
can deeply affect local communities far
away from government offices or business
centers. Meanwhile, China also felt the
pressure. Many of its manufacturing
companies depend on exports to the US
for survival. When tariffs hit, the
demand for Chinese goods started to
fall. Factories faced lower production,
workers lost jobs, and some smaller
businesses closed. The Chinese
government tried to reduce the impact by
supporting local industries, cutting
taxes, and encouraging companies to sell
more goods in other markets like
Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Still, the uncertainty of the trade war
slowed China's economic growth for the
first time in years. The ripple effects
went far beyond these two countries.
Europe and Asia were caught in the
middle of the trade conflict. European
companies that supplied parts to Chinese
factories suddenly lost orders. Asian
economies like South Korea, Vietnam, and
Malaysia also felt the tension because
they were part of the same production
chains that connected China and the US.
When trade between these two giants
slowed down, global supply chains were
disrupted. Prices for raw materials,
electronics, and even food changed
across continents.
It became clear that when two major
economies fight, the whole world feels
the shock waves.
>> Exactly, Julia. And the developing
nations were also deeply affected. Many
smaller countries rely on stable trade
between the US and China to sell their
own goods or buy affordable products.
When tariffs made everything more
expensive, those countries faced higher
costs too. For example, factories in
Africa or South America that depended on
Chinese machinery or American tools had
to pay more, which slowed their
industries. The trade war showed how
connected our world really is. How
decisions made in Washington or Beijing
can influence jobs, prices, and
opportunities in far away places.
>> Another important side of the story is
how companies reacted. Many businesses
tried to move their factories out of
China to avoid tariffs. Some shifted
production to countries like Vietnam,
Thailand or India. This trend was called
supply chain diversification, meaning
companies didn't want to depend on one
country too much. However, moving
factories isn't easy. It takes time,
money, and skilled labor. So, for many
businesses, the trade war brought chaos,
and confusion. Some faced losses. Others
found new opportunities, but almost
everyone had to rethink how they
operated in the global market.
>> The financial markets also reacted
strongly. Investors hate uncertainty and
the trade war created a lot of it. Stock
markets around the world went up and
down based on news about negotiations or
tariff announcements. Big companies,
especially in technology and
manufacturing, saw their values change
overnight. Even though the trade war was
about goods and taxes, it also
influenced currencies, stock prices, and
investment decisions, it reminded
everyone that in our globalized world,
economics, and politics are deeply
connected. One decision in trade policy
can shake economies everywhere. Yes. And
for English learners, this situation is
a great example of how economic
vocabulary connects with real life
events. Words like tariffs, imports,
exports, and trade deficit aren't just
terms in a textbook. They describe
things that shape people's daily lives.
The trade war wasn't only about
governments or businesses. It affected
workers, farmers, students, and
consumers worldwide. It changed how
countries thought about globalization
and how they planned for the future. >> Absolutely.
>> Absolutely.
The story of tariffs and their global
impact teaches us that economics is not
just numbers. It's about people. Every
trade decision creates winners and
losers. When one country tries to
protect its industries, another one
might suffer. And in the end,
cooperation often works better than confrontation.
confrontation.
The trade war between the US and China
showed how fragile our global
connections can be and how important it
is for nations to find balance between
competition and partnership.
>> Well said, Adam. The tariffs may have
started as tools for negotiation, but
they turned into symbols of deeper
economic rivalry. Both the United States
and China learned hard lessons about how
dependent they were on each other. And
the rest of the world realized that no
economy can stand alone in today's
global system. The trade war changed the
way countries think about trade,
technology, and power, and it's still
influencing world politics today. As we
move forward in our discussion of the
US-China rivalry, it's impossible to
ignore the role of technology in the
21st century. Economic power isn't just
about manufacturing or trade volumes.
It's about innovation, research, and
advanced technologies that shape the future.
future.
One of the most talked about examples is
Huawei, China's telecommunications
giant. Huawei became a global leader in
building 5G networks which are the next
generation of mobile communication. The
speed, efficiency, and connectivity of
5G technology are crucial for modern
industries, smart cities, autonomous
vehicles, and even artificial
intelligence applications.
>> Exactly, Julia. The United States and
many of its allies saw Huawei's global
expansion as a potential threat to
security and technological leadership.
American officials argued that if Huawei
equipment was used widely, it could give
the Chinese government access to
critical communication networks.
Beyond security concerns, the rise of
Huawei symbolized a larger issue. China
was rapidly closing the technology gap
with the US. After decades of American
dominance in sectors like
semiconductors, software, and telecommunications,
telecommunications,
China began producing advanced
technology at a competitive pace,
challenging the idea that the US could
remain unopposed in global innovation.
>> And it's not only about telecommunications.
telecommunications.
China has invested massively in
semiconductors which are the brains of
all modern electronics. From smartphones
and laptops to electric cars and
military equipment, semiconductors are
essential. The US leads in semiconductor
design, but China has been striving to
produce more of these chips
domestically. By reducing reliance on
foreign suppliers, China wants to secure
its technology supply chain and
strengthen its global competitiveness.
This ambition is part of a long-term
plan known as Made in China 2025,
which focuses on high-tech industries,
including robotics, aerospace, renewable
energy, and artificial intelligence.
>> At the same time, America has been
determined to protect its technological
edge. US companies like Apple, Intel,
Microsoft and Google are not only
economic powerhouses but also global
leaders in innovation. The US government
has taken measures to restrict China's
access to advanced technology such as
limiting exports of semiconductors and
certain software. The aim is to ensure
that China cannot overtake the US in
industries that are critical for
national security and global economic
leadership. This strategy, however, has
led to tensions and forced companies
around the world to rethink how they
share technology across borders. China's
approach has been equally ambitious. The
country invests heavily in artificial
intelligence, renewable energy, quantum
computing, and electric vehicles.
Chinese tech companies like BU, Tencent,
and Alibaba are developing sophisticated
AI systems for finance, healthcare,
transportation, and e-commerce. At the
same time, China is building the world's
largest renewable energy infrastructure,
including solar panels, wind farms, and
electric vehicles. These investments are
not only about economic growth, but also
about gaining influence in global
technology standards and shaping the
future of innovation. It's fascinating
because the competition isn't just
economic, it's also strategic. Whoever
leads in technology will have advantages
in military capabilities, communication
networks, and even the global digital economy.
economy.
5G networks, for instance, are more than
just faster mobile internet. They allow
smart cities to function, enable
autonomous vehicles to operate safely,
and support advanced healthare systems.
If a country controls this
infrastructure, it can influence
standards and regulations worldwide,
creating both economic and political
leverage. That's why Huawei became such
a symbol of the technological rivalry.
Countries around the world face
difficult choices. Should they adopt
Chinese 5G technology, which is
cost-effective and advanced, or rely on
Western alternatives?
These decisions were influenced not only
by cost and performance, but also by
security concerns, geopolitical
pressure, and long-term strategy.
The US even encouraged its allies,
including European countries and Japan,
to avoid using Huawei equipment for
critical infrastructure, highlighting
how technology is now a major front in
international politics.
>> Another interesting aspect is the
semiconductor industry. The United
States remains dominant in designing the
most advanced chips, but China is
rapidly increasing its production
capacity. The country has created
investment funds, research programs, and
incentives to encourage domestic chip manufacturing.
manufacturing.
At the same time, American companies
continue to innovate, creating chips
that power artificial intelligence, high
performance computing, and advanced
electronics. This battle for
semiconductors represents a
technological race that could determine
global leadership for decades. And
artificial intelligence is another field
where the competition is intense. AI
systems can automate factories, improve
medical diagnosis, manage logistics, and
even assist in military planning. Both
countries understand that AI is not just
a technology, but a tool for national
power. China has set ambitious goals to
become a global AI leader by 2030, while
the US continues to develop cuttingedge
AI research through universities,
private companies, and government agencies.
agencies.
This race influences investments,
education, and international cooperation
in technology.
>> Renewable energy is also part of the
story. China dominates the production of
solar panels, wind turbines, and
electric vehicle batteries. By leading
in renewable energy, China can not only
reduce its environmental impact, but
also shape global markets for energy
technology. The United States, while a
pioneer in many areas, faces competition
from China in both production and
innovation. This adds another layer to
the trade war because energy technology
is directly linked to economic growth
and international influence.
>> Overall, technology has become a central
battleground in the US-China rivalry. It
is no longer just about trade deficits
or tariffs. It's about who sets global
standards, controls critical
infrastructure, and shapes the future of innovation.
innovation.
Both nations are investing heavily in
research, education, and advanced
manufacturing to secure an advantage.
This competition affects companies,
governments, and consumers worldwide.
And it shows that the global economy in
the 21st century is driven not only by
goods and money, but also by knowledge,
creativity, and technological leadership.
leadership. >> Exactly.
>> Exactly.
The battle for innovation teaches us
that in today's world, economic power
and technological leadership are
inseparable. Who leads in AI, 5G,
semiconductors, and renewable energy
will influence global trade, security,
and development for decades to come.
This makes the USChina rivalry more than
just a trade war. It is a struggle for
the future itself where ideas, research
and advanced industries are as important
as factories, exports or tariffs.
>> And for global citizens and English
learners listening today, this story
demonstrates how economics, politics and
technology are interconnected.
By understanding the technological race,
we can see why governments make certain
decisions and how those decisions impact
businesses, students, workers, and
everyday life.
Technology is shaping the 21st century.
And this rivalry shows just how powerful
innovation can be in redefining the
world order. As we continue exploring
the US-China trade war, it's important
to remember that the effects didn't stay
limited to these two countries. The
whole world felt the impact. Europe, for
example, experienced significant
economic pressure. European companies
often supply components to Chinese
factories or sell products to both China
and the United States. When tariffs
disrupted trade between the two
superpowers, European businesses faced
uncertainty. Orders slowed down, supply
chains became unpredictable, and costs
increased. This forced companies in
Germany, France, and Italy to rethink
their strategies and find new ways to
remain competitive in the global market.
>> Absolutely, Julia.
Japan was also deeply affected by the
trade war. Many Japanese manufacturers
export electronics, automobiles, and
machinery to both China and the United
States. When tariffs increased and
demand slowed, Japanese companies faced
losses and had to adjust production
schedules. Some even relocated parts of
their supply chains to Southeast Asia to
reduce costs and avoid the uncertainty
caused by tariffs. The trade war showed
countries like Japan that depending too
heavily on one or two markets could be
risky, which led them to consider
diversifying their trade relationships.
Developing countries felt the ripple
effects, too. Nations in Southeast Asia,
Africa, and South America rely on global
trade to grow their economies. Many of
these countries export raw materials,
food, and manufactured goods to China
and the United States. When trade slowed
between the superpowers, demand for
these products decreased and prices
dropped. For example, farmers in Brazil
and Argentina who sell soybeans to China
saw lower revenues when tariffs
disrupted global supply chains.
Similarly, small manufacturers in
Vietnam and Malaysia faced rising costs
for imported materials.
One interesting consequence of the trade
war is that it pushed countries to form
new alliances and seek alternative trade
partners. Businesses and governments
realized that relying heavily on China
or the US could be risky. Some countries
started negotiating free trade
agreements with other nations or
regional organizations.
Southeast Asian nations, for example,
strengthened economic cooperation
through agreements like the regional
comprehensive economic partnership or RCE.
RCE.
Latin American countries began exploring
new markets in Asia and Africa. These
moves show how global economic
competition can reshape alliances and
trade networks around the world.
>> Yes. And the trade war also encouraged
countries to invest in domestic
industries and reduce dependence on
imports. For instance, some European
nations increased support for local
technology and manufacturing sectors to
protect themselves from shocks caused by
global conflicts. Similarly, developing
countries began building infrastructure
and industries to meet internal demand
instead of relying entirely on exports.
These strategies were not just about
economics. They were about resilience,
security, and long-term sustainability
in a world where two superpowers could
suddenly change the rules of trade.
>> The global reactions also highlighted a
broader lesson. No country is truly
isolated in today's economy. Even
nations that are not directly involved
in the US-China trade war felt
consequences through markets, supply
chains, and investment flows. This
interconnectedness made governments more
cautious and strategic, pushing them to
diversify not only trade partners but
also sources of critical goods like
electronics, medical supplies, and energy.
energy.
>> Another effect was that some countries
acted as mediators or neutral partners
in trade disputes. For example, the
European Union often expressed concern
about tariffs, but encouraged dialogue
and negotiation rather than
confrontation. Countries like
Switzerland, Singapore, and the United
Arab Emirates used their positions as
trade hubs to facilitate business
between American and Chinese companies.
This showed how smaller or neutral
nations could play an important role in
maintaining stability in global trade
even when the world's two largest
economies were in conflict.
>> It's also important to note that the
trade war created opportunities for some
countries. When tariffs made Chinese or
American goods more expensive,
businesses in other nations could offer
alternatives at lower costs. For
example, Vietnam, India, and Mexico
gained new business as companies looked
for more affordable production
locations. Similarly, African nations
exporting raw materials saw new
opportunities as global supply chains
shifted. In this way, a conflict between
two superpowers indirectly shaped
economic growth for other regions.
>> Ultimately, the global reactions to the
trade war show how interconnected the
modern world has become. Decisions made
in Washington or Beijing don't just
affect those two countries. They
influence markets, jobs, and daily life
across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin
America. The trade war forced countries
to be more strategic, think long term,
and explore new partnerships. It also
reminded the world that when the biggest
economies compete, everyone else must
adapt to survive and thrive. >> Exactly.
>> Exactly.
For global citizens, this is a clear
lesson in economic awareness. Trade
conflicts are not just about politics or
numbers. They touch every part of our
lives. Prices, jobs, technology, and
access to goods can all be affected by
disputes between large nations.
Understanding how other countries react
and adapt helps us see the bigger
picture and prepare for the changes that
global trade conflicts can bring.
And for English learners, following this
section teaches you how international
issues are discussed clearly and simply.
Words like tariffs, alliance, diversify,
and supply chain are not just
vocabulary. They are tools for
understanding the real world. The global
reaction to the trade war is a perfect
example of how economics, politics, and
society are all connected in today's
interconnected world. As we continue,
let's explore an important question. Who
actually won and who lost during the
US-China trade war? While it may seem
like one country could clearly come out
ahead, the reality is much more complex.
In the short term, some countries
benefited by filling gaps left by China
or the United States. For example,
Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam,
Thailand, and Malaysia became
alternative manufacturing hubs.
Companies seeking to avoid tariffs
started moving production to these
countries, which created new jobs,
attracted foreign investment, and
boosted local economies.
These nations saw a temporary economic
advantage as global supply chains
shifted to meet changing trade conditions.
conditions.
>> That's an excellent point, Julia. At the
same time, both China and the United
States faced serious challenges. In the
US, farmers and manufacturers were among
the hardest hit. American soybean
farmers, for instance, lost one of their
largest buyers when China imposed
tariffs on agricultural products.
Factories producing steel, aluminum, and
machinery experienced reduced demand,
and some small businesses struggled to
absorb higher costs for imported
materials. On the Chinese side,
manufacturers experienced lower export
volumes, factory closures, and declining
profits. Although China's government
provided financial support to companies,
the trade war slowed economic growth and
created uncertainty for businesses and
investors. The impact on prices was also
significant. Tariffs raised the cost of
imported goods and in most cases
companies passed these costs onto consumers.
consumers.
This meant that Americans buying
electronics, clothing or machinery faced
higher prices. Similarly, Chinese
consumers saw price increases for
products that relied on imported
components from the US or other
countries affected by the trade war.
Rising prices affected household budgets
and reduced purchasing power, showing
that even ordinary people who were not
directly involved in international trade
felt the consequences of these policies.
>> Investments were another area heavily
impacted. Companies dislike uncertainty
and the back and forth nature of the
trade war created an unstable business
environment. Many firms delayed
expansion, postponed hiring, or held
back on research and development
spending. This slowdown affected
long-term economic growth for both
countries. For China, it also meant that
some technology projects and industrial
plans were postponed. For the US,
companies that relied on international
markets for growth had to reconsider
supply chains and strategies, which also
slowed investment and innovation.
However, some countries gained
opportunities beyond Southeast Asia.
Mexico, India, and certain Eastern
European nations attracted companies
looking to diversify their manufacturing locations.
locations.
This created new jobs, expanded
industrial capacity, and opened doors
for economic growth. In addition, some
global consumers had access to a wider
variety of products because companies
sought alternatives in new markets.
These gains, however, were uneven and
temporary because global trade is
constantly shifting and can be affected
by many political and economic decisions.
decisions.
On the other hand, neither the US nor
China came out entirely unscathed. The
trade war disrupted long-term strategic
planning, slowed global supply chains, and affected confidence in markets
and affected confidence in markets worldwide.
worldwide. Businesses in both countries faced
Businesses in both countries faced higher costs, reduced sales, and
higher costs, reduced sales, and difficulty forecasting demand. Even if
difficulty forecasting demand. Even if some companies were protected by
some companies were protected by government policies or subsidies, the
government policies or subsidies, the uncertainty itself created a cost.
uncertainty itself created a cost. Economists often say that prolonged
Economists often say that prolonged trade wars reduce efficiency, lower
trade wars reduce efficiency, lower growth rates, and make global economic
growth rates, and make global economic recovery slower and more difficult.
recovery slower and more difficult. >> It's also worth noting that the effects
>> It's also worth noting that the effects were uneven within each country.
were uneven within each country. Large corporations with international
Large corporations with international networks and resources were often better
networks and resources were often better equipped to absorb shocks while smaller
equipped to absorb shocks while smaller businesses struggled to survive.
businesses struggled to survive. Similarly, workers in some industries
Similarly, workers in some industries faced layoffs or reduced wages while
faced layoffs or reduced wages while others in sectors like technology or
others in sectors like technology or alternative manufacturing hubs gained
alternative manufacturing hubs gained opportunities.
opportunities. This uneven impact shows that trade wars
This uneven impact shows that trade wars are rarely simple. The consequences
are rarely simple. The consequences ripple across different layers of
ripple across different layers of society in ways that are sometimes hard
society in ways that are sometimes hard to predict.
to predict. >> Looking at the long-term perspective,
>> Looking at the long-term perspective, the trade war highlighted a strategic
the trade war highlighted a strategic shift in the global economy. Countries
shift in the global economy. Countries realized the importance of diversifying
realized the importance of diversifying trade partners and supply chains. Both
trade partners and supply chains. Both China and the US have continued to
China and the US have continued to invest heavily in technology, domestic
invest heavily in technology, domestic industries, and international
industries, and international partnerships to reduce future
partnerships to reduce future vulnerabilities.
vulnerabilities. The conflict also forced other nations
The conflict also forced other nations to reassess their position in the global
to reassess their position in the global market, encouraging them to pursue
market, encouraging them to pursue policies that enhance economic
policies that enhance economic resilience and competitiveness.
resilience and competitiveness. So, in summary, the trade war created
So, in summary, the trade war created both winners and losers.
both winners and losers. Southeast Asian countries and
Southeast Asian countries and alternative manufacturing hubs gained
alternative manufacturing hubs gained short-term benefits while both the US
short-term benefits while both the US and China faced challenges to their
and China faced challenges to their economies, businesses, and consumers.
economies, businesses, and consumers. Prices rose, investments slowed, and
Prices rose, investments slowed, and global growth was affected. At the same
global growth was affected. At the same time, the conflict prompted countries
time, the conflict prompted countries around the world to adapt, diversify
around the world to adapt, diversify trade, and strengthen domestic
trade, and strengthen domestic industries, illustrating the complex
industries, illustrating the complex ripple effects of such an economic
ripple effects of such an economic confrontation.
confrontation. >> Exactly.
>> Exactly. The story of winners and losers teaches
The story of winners and losers teaches us that in global trade, there are
us that in global trade, there are rarely clear-cut victories. Every
rarely clear-cut victories. Every decision has consequences for
decision has consequences for industries, workers, consumers, and
industries, workers, consumers, and international partners.
international partners. Understanding these dynamics helps us
Understanding these dynamics helps us see why economic policies matter so much
see why economic policies matter so much and why trade wars are about more than
and why trade wars are about more than numbers. They are about real people,
numbers. They are about real people, real businesses, and the long-term
real businesses, and the long-term balance of global power. And for English
balance of global power. And for English learners, this section gives practical
learners, this section gives practical insights into economic vocabulary such
insights into economic vocabulary such as diversify, supply chains, investment,
as diversify, supply chains, investment, tariffs, and economic growth. It also
tariffs, and economic growth. It also shows how global conflicts influence
shows how global conflicts influence everyday life, making abstract concepts
everyday life, making abstract concepts like trade war concrete and
like trade war concrete and understandable.
understandable. As we reach this stage of our
As we reach this stage of our discussion, it's important to reflect on
discussion, it's important to reflect on the bigger picture. The US-China trade
the bigger picture. The US-China trade war offers several lessons about
war offers several lessons about globalization, nationalism, and
globalization, nationalism, and interdependence.
interdependence. In a globalized world, countries are
In a globalized world, countries are deeply connected through trade,
deeply connected through trade, technology, finance, and culture.
technology, finance, and culture. Actions taken by one nation often have
Actions taken by one nation often have ripple effects worldwide, influencing
ripple effects worldwide, influencing jobs, prices, and growth in many other
jobs, prices, and growth in many other countries.
countries. At the same time, nationalism, the idea
At the same time, nationalism, the idea of prioritizing one's own country over
of prioritizing one's own country over global cooperation, played a major role
global cooperation, played a major role in the trade war. Governments sought to
in the trade war. Governments sought to protect local industries, jobs and
protect local industries, jobs and technology, sometimes at the expense of
technology, sometimes at the expense of international collaboration.
international collaboration. Yes, Adam. And one of the main lessons
Yes, Adam. And one of the main lessons is that interdependence is both a
is that interdependence is both a strength and a vulnerability.
strength and a vulnerability. When nations rely on each other for
When nations rely on each other for trade, investment or technology, they
trade, investment or technology, they benefit from efficiency and innovation.
benefit from efficiency and innovation. However, they also become sensitive to
However, they also become sensitive to conflicts and disruptions.
conflicts and disruptions. The trade war showed how quickly global
The trade war showed how quickly global supply chains, markets, and economies
supply chains, markets, and economies can be affected by disagreements between
can be affected by disagreements between major powers. It taught governments,
major powers. It taught governments, companies, and even individuals that
companies, and even individuals that while global cooperation can drive
while global cooperation can drive growth, overdependence on a single
growth, overdependence on a single country or market can create risks.
country or market can create risks. >> This raises a critical question for the
>> This raises a critical question for the future. Can the United States and China
future. Can the United States and China cooperate on global challenges or will
cooperate on global challenges or will rivalry dominate? Issues like climate
rivalry dominate? Issues like climate change, pandemics, cyber security, and
change, pandemics, cyber security, and advanced technology development require
advanced technology development require collaboration. For example, both
collaboration. For example, both countries have a responsibility to
countries have a responsibility to reduce carbon emissions and invest in
reduce carbon emissions and invest in renewable energy because climate change
renewable energy because climate change affects the entire planet. Similarly,
affects the entire planet. Similarly, technological innovation in fields like
technological innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, semiconductors,
artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and 5G networks benefits from
and 5G networks benefits from international cooperation. However,
international cooperation. However, mistrust, competition, and strategic
mistrust, competition, and strategic interests make collaboration difficult.
interests make collaboration difficult. >> Exactly. Cooperation is possible, but it
>> Exactly. Cooperation is possible, but it requires mutual trust, clear agreements,
requires mutual trust, clear agreements, and shared goals.
and shared goals. The trade war illustrated that when
The trade war illustrated that when competition dominates, even necessary
competition dominates, even necessary collaboration can be delayed or
collaboration can be delayed or undermined. On the other hand, some
undermined. On the other hand, some level of competition may be healthy,
level of competition may be healthy, encouraging innovation, efficiency, and
encouraging innovation, efficiency, and strategic planning.
strategic planning. The challenge for the global community
The challenge for the global community is finding the right balance between
is finding the right balance between cooperation and competition. Ensuring
cooperation and competition. Ensuring that rivalry does not harm global
that rivalry does not harm global stability while also encouraging
stability while also encouraging countries to improve their own
countries to improve their own capabilities and industries.
capabilities and industries. For English learners, this discussion
For English learners, this discussion introduces important vocabulary about
introduces important vocabulary about economics, trade, and diplomacy. Words
economics, trade, and diplomacy. Words like interdependence, nationalism,
like interdependence, nationalism, globalization, collaboration,
globalization, collaboration, innovation, tariffs, and supply chain
innovation, tariffs, and supply chain are frequently used when discussing
are frequently used when discussing international relations and global
international relations and global markets. Understanding these terms helps
markets. Understanding these terms helps learners not only improve language
learners not only improve language skills, but also engage with real world
skills, but also engage with real world issues that shape economies and
issues that shape economies and politics. Using them in context as we
politics. Using them in context as we are doing makes the vocabulary easier to
are doing makes the vocabulary easier to remember and apply.
remember and apply. >> Another important lesson is that global
>> Another important lesson is that global challenges require both leadership and
challenges require both leadership and compromise. No single country can solve
compromise. No single country can solve issues like climate change or cyber
issues like climate change or cyber security alone. The trade war showed
security alone. The trade war showed that rivalry can slow progress while
that rivalry can slow progress while dialogue and negotiation can create
dialogue and negotiation can create solutions. Both the US and China have
solutions. Both the US and China have unique strengths. America has advanced
unique strengths. America has advanced technology, financial power, and global
technology, financial power, and global influence, while China has manufacturing
influence, while China has manufacturing capacity, investment capabilities and
capacity, investment capabilities and growing innovation in science and
growing innovation in science and technology. Combining these strengths
technology. Combining these strengths through cooperation could address global
through cooperation could address global problems more effectively than rivalry
problems more effectively than rivalry alone.
alone. >> It is also essential to think about
>> It is also essential to think about long-term consequences. The trade war
long-term consequences. The trade war may have short-term goals like reducing
may have short-term goals like reducing a trade deficit or protecting jobs, but
a trade deficit or protecting jobs, but long-term strategies require thinking
long-term strategies require thinking about global stability, growth, and
about global stability, growth, and innovation. Countries, businesses, and
innovation. Countries, businesses, and individuals must consider not only
individuals must consider not only immediate gains, but also how their
immediate gains, but also how their decisions influence relationships,
decisions influence relationships, supply chains, and global development
supply chains, and global development for decades. In this sense, the lessons
for decades. In this sense, the lessons of the trade war are not limited to
of the trade war are not limited to economics. They extend to diplomacy,
economics. They extend to diplomacy, education, technology, and environmental
education, technology, and environmental policy.
policy. >> Yes. And learners of English can see
>> Yes. And learners of English can see that discussing international issues
that discussing international issues involves combining language skills with
involves combining language skills with critical thinking. When we talk about
critical thinking. When we talk about cooperation, competition,
cooperation, competition, interdependence or globalization,
interdependence or globalization, we are not just learning new words. We
we are not just learning new words. We are learning to understand how the world
are learning to understand how the world works and how decisions in one country
works and how decisions in one country can affect millions of people globally.
can affect millions of people globally. This connection between vocabulary and
This connection between vocabulary and real world issues is what makes learning
real world issues is what makes learning English meaningful, practical, and
English meaningful, practical, and exciting.
exciting. >> In conclusion, the trade war teaches us
>> In conclusion, the trade war teaches us that the future of global relations
that the future of global relations depends on balance. Competition can
depends on balance. Competition can drive progress, innovation, and economic
drive progress, innovation, and economic growth. But unchecked rivalry may create
growth. But unchecked rivalry may create tension, instability, and inefficiency.
tension, instability, and inefficiency. Cooperation, on the other hand, can
Cooperation, on the other hand, can solve shared challenges and enhance
solve shared challenges and enhance global welfare, but it requires trust,
global welfare, but it requires trust, dialogue, and mutual respect for
dialogue, and mutual respect for countries, businesses, and individuals.
countries, businesses, and individuals. Understanding these dynamics is
Understanding these dynamics is essential to making informed decisions
essential to making informed decisions and adapting to a changing world.
and adapting to a changing world. Finally, English learners should take
Finally, English learners should take note that words like cooperation,
note that words like cooperation, competition, negotiation, alliance, and
competition, negotiation, alliance, and interdependence are not abstract terms.
interdependence are not abstract terms. They describe real actions and
They describe real actions and strategies that shape global events. By
strategies that shape global events. By learning and using these terms in
learning and using these terms in context, you not only improve your
context, you not only improve your English, but also develop a better
English, but also develop a better understanding of international
understanding of international relations, economics, and diplomacy,
relations, economics, and diplomacy, knowledge that is valuable in today's
knowledge that is valuable in today's interconnected world.
interconnected world. >> As we reach the final section of our
>> As we reach the final section of our discussion, it is clear that China's
discussion, it is clear that China's rise and America's long-standing
rise and America's long-standing dominance are reshaping the 21st
dominance are reshaping the 21st century.
century. The trade war, technological
The trade war, technological competition, and global reactions all
competition, and global reactions all highlight the complexity of modern
highlight the complexity of modern international relations. The world is no
international relations. The world is no longer divided by simple borders or
longer divided by simple borders or isolated economies. Instead, nations are
isolated economies. Instead, nations are interconnected through trade,
interconnected through trade, technology, finance, and shared global
technology, finance, and shared global challenges.
challenges. Understanding these connections is not
Understanding these connections is not just for politicians or economists. It
just for politicians or economists. It is valuable for anyone who wants to make
is valuable for anyone who wants to make sense of today's rapidly changing world.
sense of today's rapidly changing world. >> Exactly, Adam. For English learners,
>> Exactly, Adam. For English learners, following this discussion helps in more
following this discussion helps in more ways than one. You are not only
ways than one. You are not only improving your vocabulary in economics,
improving your vocabulary in economics, trade and diplomacy, but also gaining
trade and diplomacy, but also gaining insight into real world events that
insight into real world events that shape global society. Terms like
shape global society. Terms like tariffs, innovation, interdependence,
tariffs, innovation, interdependence, and globalization are more than words.
and globalization are more than words. They are tools to understand how
They are tools to understand how countries interact and make decisions
countries interact and make decisions that affect millions of people. Learning
that affect millions of people. Learning English through such topics allows
English through such topics allows students to engage with knowledge, think
students to engage with knowledge, think critically, and connect language skills
critically, and connect language skills to practical understanding.
to practical understanding. China's rise has brought enormous
China's rise has brought enormous economic growth, technological
economic growth, technological advancements, and influence in global
advancements, and influence in global markets. At the same time, America
markets. At the same time, America continues to lead in innovation,
continues to lead in innovation, finance, and global leadership. The
finance, and global leadership. The interaction between these two powers
interaction between these two powers creates opportunities and challenges for
creates opportunities and challenges for the rest of the world. It shapes
the rest of the world. It shapes markets, influences policies, and guides
markets, influences policies, and guides investment decisions. For students,
investment decisions. For students, workers, and professionals,
workers, and professionals, understanding this dynamic is essential.
understanding this dynamic is essential. It shows how economic decisions in one
It shows how economic decisions in one part of the world can affect jobs,
part of the world can affect jobs, prices, and technological progress
prices, and technological progress everywhere.
everywhere. >> And it is not only about economics. The
>> And it is not only about economics. The trade war and technological competition
trade war and technological competition show that diplomacy, negotiation, and
show that diplomacy, negotiation, and cooperation are equally important.
cooperation are equally important. Countries must balance competition with
Countries must balance competition with collaboration to address global
collaboration to address global challenges like climate change,
challenges like climate change, security, and sustainable development.
security, and sustainable development. Learning about these issues helps
Learning about these issues helps English learners develop critical
English learners develop critical thinking, awareness of world affairs,
thinking, awareness of world affairs, and the ability to discuss complex
and the ability to discuss complex topics with clarity. It shows how
topics with clarity. It shows how knowledge and language combined to open
knowledge and language combined to open doors to understanding and opportunity.
doors to understanding and opportunity. >> This also emphasizes the value of
>> This also emphasizes the value of education. By studying global economics,
education. By studying global economics, politics, and technology, learners can
politics, and technology, learners can better navigate the modern world.
better navigate the modern world. Understanding how tariffs, supply
Understanding how tariffs, supply chains, innovation, and interdependence
chains, innovation, and interdependence work provides insight into the decisions
work provides insight into the decisions made by governments and companies. It
made by governments and companies. It allows individuals to see the big
allows individuals to see the big picture, anticipate changes, and make
picture, anticipate changes, and make informed choices.
informed choices. Education and language learning empower
Education and language learning empower people to participate meaningfully in
people to participate meaningfully in discussions about the global economy and
discussions about the global economy and international relations.
international relations. >> Absolutely. And for English learners,
>> Absolutely. And for English learners, the journey does not stop here.
the journey does not stop here. Following podcasts, reading news, and
Following podcasts, reading news, and discussing global events in English
discussing global events in English helps improve both language skills and
helps improve both language skills and knowledge. It is a way to stay informed,
knowledge. It is a way to stay informed, think critically, and engage with the
think critically, and engage with the world confidently.
world confidently. Every new word, every concept, and every
Every new word, every concept, and every discussion builds understanding and
discussion builds understanding and prepares learners to be active
prepares learners to be active participants in the interconnected
participants in the interconnected global community.
global community. >> In conclusion, the rise of China and the
>> In conclusion, the rise of China and the continued influence of America are
continued influence of America are shaping our century in profound ways.
shaping our century in profound ways. Understanding these shifts is essential
Understanding these shifts is essential for anyone who wants to grasp how the
for anyone who wants to grasp how the world works today.
world works today. The global economic balance affects
The global economic balance affects trade, technology, jobs, and innovation
trade, technology, jobs, and innovation across continents. For English learners,
across continents. For English learners, following such topics helps combine
following such topics helps combine language learning with awareness,
language learning with awareness, providing skills that are both practical
providing skills that are both practical and intellectually enriching.
and intellectually enriching. >> Finally, we want to leave our listeners
>> Finally, we want to leave our listeners with a positive message. Learning,
with a positive message. Learning, awareness, and curiosity are invaluable
awareness, and curiosity are invaluable tools in today's interconnected world.
tools in today's interconnected world. By studying economics, technology, and
By studying economics, technology, and global affairs, all while improving your
global affairs, all while improving your English, you are preparing yourself for
English, you are preparing yourself for a future full of opportunities.
a future full of opportunities. Remember, knowledge empowers, education
Remember, knowledge empowers, education transforms, and language connects. Stay
transforms, and language connects. Stay curious, stay informed and keep learning
curious, stay informed and keep learning because understanding the world begins
because understanding the world begins with awareness and continues with
with awareness and continues with action.
action. Thank you dear listeners for joining us
Thank you dear listeners for joining us on this deep dive into the US China
on this deep dive into the US China trade war, technology competition and
trade war, technology competition and the shifting global economy. Remember,
the shifting global economy. Remember, every discussion is an opportunity to
every discussion is an opportunity to learn, improve your English, and gain
learn, improve your English, and gain insight into the world around you.
insight into the world around you. We hope you enjoyed today's episode.
We hope you enjoyed today's episode. Don't forget to like this video,
Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to the English Globe, and
subscribe to the English Globe, and share your thoughts in the comments.
share your thoughts in the comments. Tell us where you are listening from and
Tell us where you are listening from and what you think about the global economic
what you think about the global economic changes we discussed today. Your
changes we discussed today. Your participation makes this learning
participation makes this learning journey richer and more exciting.
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