No permanent friends nor foes in global politics

THE idea of the world changing has become a habit, year-on-year, that statement provides no new information.

- COLE JACKSON

Nonetheless, this opinion points out that what is happening [with strong support] is that global relationships are changing-old friends have become foes and new friends have been foes. This particular change rings true for the US and elsewhere. It also provides hope for ongoing disagreements, conflicts and war.

Looking at tariffs, China has seen some of the highest rates against it by any country, in the form of Trumps Liberation day tariffs. Since 14 May, both the United States and China have agreed to suspend 90% of their Liberation Day tariffs for a period of 90 days and have withdrawn several other retaliatory duties.

As a result, tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese goods dropped to 30%, while China will reduce its tariffs on American products to 10%. Although this does not signify a friendship, it does signal a willingness to reconvene on measures through communication.

It indicates that the relationship between China and the US was at its worst when the US announced the Liberation Day tariffs (145%) against China.

China and the European Union have traditionally maintained stable relations, with minimal conflict over core interests and strong economic and cultural ties.

By 2022, China had become the EU’s top import source and third-largest export destination, with bilateral trade surpassing €856 billion. European firms like Siemens, Airbus, and BMW are heavily invested in the Chinese market, fostering collaboration in technology and industry.