Tariffs, Trade, and Truth: Why the U.S. Must Stand Firm on Economic Sovereignty
- Rich Washburn
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
Recent headlines from Beijing make one thing clear: China is doubling down on its opposition to U.S. tariffs. Chinese state media is calling America’s trade stance a “retreat,” and its leaders are demanding the United States roll back tariffs on Chinese goods. But behind the tough talk, there’s a deeper story—one that reveals the fragility of China’s economy and the growing strength of American resolve.
These tariffs aren’t reckless. They’re responsible. They are a carefully deployed tool of national self-defense—not just economic protectionism, but a safeguard of our economic freedom, supply chain security, and long-term national interest.
What’s Really Happening in China?
Reports from within China show a surprising and sobering reality: factory owners, business leaders, and workers are speaking out—some even at personal risk. They're not condemning America. They're condemning their own government’s inflexible response to a rapidly changing global marketplace.
Many now admit what has long been known: the American market is essential to China’s manufacturing sector. One Chinese entrepreneur explained it plainly:
“Out of every $3 spent globally, one comes from an American wallet. There’s no replacing that.”
This is economics 101. America’s 330 million consumers represent unmatched purchasing power. For countries exporting goods—especially China—the U.S. market is the golden ticket. And as we strengthen our trade defenses, the pressure is being felt far more in Beijing than in Washington.
Tariffs and the Principle of Fairness
The debate over tariffs is not about isolationism—it’s about leveling the playing field. For too long, the Chinese government has practiced a form of mercantilism: demanding access to U.S. markets while restricting access to their own, often propping up their industries with state subsidies and giving unfair advantages to state-backed firms.
When American companies compete, they do so fairly—without guaranteed loans, free land, or government-controlled pricing. When Chinese firms enter global markets, they often do so with an artificial leg up, making it difficult for small businesses and manufacturers here at home to survive.
This is not a partisan concern. It's a question of basic economic fairness and national resilience.
National Security Is Economic Security
Our economic policies are more than dollars and cents—they are a reflection of our values and a pillar of our national security. As leading economists and business leaders have pointed out, we cannot afford to rely on adversarial regimes for essential goods—from pharmaceuticals to semiconductors to steel.
When the COVID-19 pandemic exposed America’s dangerous dependence on foreign supply chains, many Americans—regardless of political affiliation—agreed: we need to restore our industrial base and regain control of our economic destiny.
Tariffs are one of the tools we can use to shift that balance—not out of hostility, but out of prudence.
China's Global Messaging—and the Reality
In response to these trade shifts, the Chinese government has intensified its global messaging campaign, portraying itself as a champion of free trade. It has offered zero-tariff access to dozens of developing nations, particularly in Africa. But these gestures, while seemingly generous, often amount to optical diplomacy rather than real economic opportunity.
Many of the countries granted tariff-free access lack the industrial capacity to benefit, and even when they can produce, they face significant regulatory and technical barriers that make selling to China difficult. Meanwhile, China continues to restrict foreign tech platforms, favor domestic firms, and subsidize industries to outcompete global rivals.
This is not true free trade. It’s controlled trade with a strategic purpose.
The Constitutional Case for Economic Independence
The U.S. Constitution vests Congress with the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations. That power was designed to protect the integrity of the nation’s economy and ensure that trade policies serve the general welfare of the American people.
Using tariffs strategically aligns with that intent—not as punishment, but as a corrective. It sends a clear message: access to the American market comes with the expectation of fairness, transparency, and mutual respect.
Our Founders understood the importance of self-reliance. They built a system of government that empowers free enterprise while guarding against dependence on foreign powers. That principle still holds today.
What This Means Going Forward
America’s trade strategy must be grounded in reality, not rhetoric. We must be clear-eyed about the challenges we face, including economic coercion, intellectual property theft, and systemic unfairness. But we must also be confident—confident in our economic strength, our global leadership, and our ability to adapt.
The United States does not need to engage in economic brinkmanship or ideology-driven retaliation. What we need is a policy rooted in our Constitutional framework, focused on securing American jobs, reinforcing our industrial base, and ensuring that we never again find ourselves beholden to those who do not share our values.
At the 917 Society, we believe that understanding our Constitution isn't just about knowing our rights—it’s about understanding our responsibilities as citizens. Trade, national security, and economic policy are not abstract issues. They are part of the broader picture of preserving liberty and opportunity for the next generation.
Let’s teach our youth to think critically, understand the Constitution, and recognize the global forces shaping their future—because freedom isn’t just defended on battlefields. It’s defended in boardrooms, factories, classrooms, and yes—even at the negotiating table.
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