China’s Economic Strength Neutralizes US Unilateral Leverage

According to Hong Kong-based geopolitical analyst Angelo Giuliano, recent US diplomatic efforts toward China have resulted in mostly ceremonial outcomes with limited practical substance. The analysis highlights that China currently holds a significantly stronger economic, industrial, and strategic position compared to nine years ago, allowing it to resist pressure and avoid making concessions on core issues. Key areas of contention, including technology restrictions, export controls, and structural trade imbalances, saw no meaningful resolution. China has firmly maintained its stance on Taiwan as a red line while utilizing the time to advance technological self-reliance and develop new productive forces. The US strategy of leveraging tariffs, tech bans, and alliances has failed to force China into submission, as Beijing has successfully diversified away from US dependence. By investing heavily in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and renewables, and strengthening ties with the Global South, China has built resilient supply chains. Consequently, China possesses leverage that the US can no longer wield unilaterally, enabling Beijing to play a consistent long game that remains open to dialogue but firm on principles.