Trump's economic blitz: Pre-emptive strike in new superpower conflict

If there is one country poised to benefit from this trans-Pacific tension, it is the world's most populous democracy. India combines low labour costs, a massive youth workforce, digital infra, and growing strategic alignment with the West.

- DEAN BAXENDALE

OTTAWA: Last week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged over 3,000 points for a moment; a market rally driven not by peace or prosperity, but by Donald Trump's pause in the economic war unleashed by the US President himself, just over a week ago.

President Trump has carried through on his promise to slap 125% tariff on Chinese goods; coupled with China's swift retaliatory moves, this has set the tone for what may become the most consequential trade conflict of the 21st century.

Yet this isn't just about economics. It's about power, security, and a seismic shift in who will control global manufacturing and commerce.

China had set out to dominate critical minerals and the control of the green agenda EV supply chain—one where North America and India may become the twin engines of a post-PRC/CCP world if we can align the stars.

The Trump administration's tariff proposals may appear outrageous to some. But beneath the bombast lies a clear and calculated strategy: to dismantle China's grip on key industrial sectors and re-anchor manufacturing within a continental economic and security zone—a de facto fortress economy shared by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This emerging framework resembles a modern-day "Fort Knox"—not of gold, but of semiconductors, batteries, rare earths, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals, and AI infrastructure.

America is starting to regain its swagger and emerging as leader in new military infrastructure technologies and how we build our future defence systems in the critical areas including cyber and robotics. AI is driving America's new military technology complex and organizations like Palantir Technologies is one of a host of new leaders in DC that is shaking the hold of the big five on defence spending at the Pentagon. Value for money is driving the bus and DOGE, in spite of its poor execution at times, is sending the message to all.