On Tuesday, President Biden announced that the U.S. will increase tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) from 25 percent to 100 percent, along with higher tariffs on semiconductors, solar panels and batteries. This move targets China’s “Three New Things” strategy, which relies on EVs, lithium batteries and solar panels to replace its struggling real estate sector and boost its economy.

The timing and strategic significance of these tariffs are critical. To address U.S.-China relations effectively, the U.S. needs to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach, leveraging its strengths creatively.

China’s comprehensive strategy spans issues from Taiwan to global competition with the U.S. While Beijing is proactive, the U.S. has often been reactive, focusing mainly on preventing escalation. Recent examples include responses to conflicts in Ukraine, Israel and the Taiwan Strait.

During a recent Beijing visit, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China about supplying critical components to Russia for weapons production, saying that if China doesn’t stop, the U.S. will act. This message underscores the U.S. challenges in addressing China’s provocations, as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) often avoids significant retaliation by calibrating its actions.

For instance, China refrains from directly supplying arms to Russia to avoid strong diplomatic and military responses. Despite Xi Jinping’s promises to curb civil-military exports to Russia, it is doubtful........

© The Hill