Today’s Focus: U.S. Imposes 200% Tariff Pressure, Li Chenggang Comes to U.S. for Negotiation; Trump Invites 600,000 Chinese Students to U.S.? Zhang Yuxia’s Stance Before September 3 Parade Sparks Discussion! Major Adjustment in Federal Reserve Could Impact Global Economy.
Hello, welcome to “News Talk,” I am [News Anchor]. Today is August 27th, Wednesday.
Guests of this episode: Dr. Shen Mingshi, Researcher at Taiwan Institute for National Defense and Security Studies, Host of “Yanghe Comment,” Senior Political and Economic Analyst Qin Peng. Hosts: Jin Shi, Fu Yao.
On August 26, U.S. President Trump convened the seventh cabinet meeting of his current term at the White House.
During this meeting, President Trump, when discussing improvements in security in Washington D.C., mentioned New Tang Dynasty White House reporter Tao Ming, asking her to recount her experience of being robbed two years ago.
On Monday night, President Trump announced the rare decision to replace Federal Reserve Board Member Lisa Cook, triggering market reactions and signaling further escalation in the struggle between Trump and the Federal Reserve.
Qin Peng, Mr. Qin, the U.S. President’s replacement of a Federal Reserve Board Member is relatively rare in U.S. history. What impact will Trump’s move have?
This Thursday, Chinese trade representative and Deputy Minister of Commerce of the Chinese Communist Party, Li Chenggang, will visit the U.S. for trade negotiations with the U.S. side.
Currently, both the U.S. and China have extended the tariff ceasefire to early November, meaning that the two countries have over two months to negotiate and strive to reach a trade agreement.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, during Li Chenggang’s visit to the U.S. this week, discussions will be held on China’s purchase of U.S. soybeans. The U.S. soybean harvest is set to begin in September, and earlier this month, President Trump had urged China to expand its purchases of U.S. soybeans.
However, sources revealed that Beijing hopes to continue demanding the Trump administration to lift the 20% tariff related to fentanyl trade before committing to purchasing U.S. soybeans or Boeing aircraft. So far, China has not put forward a proposal that the Trump administration deems sufficient to curb the trafficking of fentanyl precursor chemicals.
Insiders said that Li Chenggang is expected to continue urging the U.S. government to relax restrictions on technology exports to China.
Yanghe, Mr. Yanghe, how do you view the prospects of Li Chenggang’s negotiations in the U.S.? Will the U.S. and China move closer to reaching a trade agreement?
On Monday, President Trump met with visiting South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the White House. During the press conference, he also made comments on the U.S.-China trade negotiations.
Trump mentioned China’s control over rare earths and magnets, stating that Beijing uses these two commodities as weapons to enhance its negotiating leverage against the U.S.
Trump said that China’s monopoly on magnets poses a threat to U.S. national security, but the U.S. has a greater weapon – Boeing aircraft and aircraft components.
Due to Beijing’s restrictions on magnet exports, the U.S. did not provide components of Boeing aircraft to China, leading to 200 aircraft in China being unable to fly.
Trump mentioned that tariffs are one of his more powerful weapons. He threatened that during the tariff ceasefire, China must supply magnets, otherwise he will impose 100% or even 200% tariffs on Chinese goods and refuse to do business with China.
Professor Shen, how do you view the power struggle between the U.S. and China on certain key commodities? Can Trump successfully break through Beijing’s restrictions on rare earths and magnets?
However, Trump also extended an olive branch to China on Monday. Firstly, he said he might visit China this year or in the near future. This is the first time since taking office for the second term that Trump explicitly mentioned his intention to visit China. Furthermore, Trump stated that with proper review, he is willing to open the door to as many as 600,000 Chinese students to study in the U.S.
Mr. Qin, why do you think Trump has made such a statement now about the possibility of visiting China this year or in the future? Does this indicate positive progress in U.S.-China trade negotiations?
Regarding the issue of Chinese students, Trump said he wants to have 600,000 Chinese students come to the U.S. to study. Current data shows that there are approximately 270,000 Chinese students registered in the U.S., meaning that Trump aims to double the acceptance of Chinese students in the future.
Mr. Yanghe, it seems that the prospects for Chinese students who wish to study in the U.S. are still optimistic. How does Trump view the issue of Chinese students from restrictions to review to openness?
Professor Shen, it appears that Trump’s policy towards China is still a combination of “carrot and stick” or “red carrot and big stick” approach? For example, if he agrees to meet with Xi Jinping in Beijing, he will undoubtedly face opposition. How do you view Trump’s attitude in this regard?
Speaking of the Chinese Communist Party, there have been recent unusual signs in the military and political arena.
With a week left until the “September 3 Parade” pushed by the Chinese Communist Party, official statements claim that it is to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the war of resistance. The Chinese military recently held a symposium, and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Yuxia stated that Xi Jinping’s thoughts must be genuinely studied, understood, believed, and applied to promote the deeper implementation of “political military building.”
At the same time, he also mentioned the need for the “Party to command the gun,” military training for battle readiness, and achieving the goal of “building the army for 100 years.”
Observers noted that Zhang Yuxia’s praise of “Xi Thought” in this speech and his actions over the past year have shown significant changes.
Last July, during the Third Plenary Session, Zhang Yuxia was placed behind He Weidong, which was widely seen as unusual. Following that, in March 2025 at the end of the two sessions, a video of Zhang Yuxia “turning his back on Xi Jinping” went viral. Subsequently, Zhang Yuxia chaired a meeting of the entire military, with Miao Hua absent, later confirmed to be under investigation.
In May this year, while attending the military training ground construction, Zhang Yuxia mentioned the need to enhance combat capabilities and referred to the so-called “directions of Xi.” This was followed by his recent cry for “learning and applying” Xi’s thoughts.
Professor Shen, how do you interpret Zhang Yuxia’s stance?
Mr. Qin, before the September 3 Parade, is Zhang Yuxia’s statement an expression of loyalty?
Following the September 3 Parade is the landmark Fourth Plenary Session in October. There are differing opinions on who holds military power.
Over a week ago, Singapore’s Permanent Secretary of Defense, Chen Qingji, visited Beijing on August 18-19, meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and National Defense University Political Commissar Zhong Shaojun, among other military figures.
During the meeting, Zhong Shaojun’s posture was offbeat. He appeared nonchalant, almost lounging on the sofa, leading to accusations of “showing off” and seen as a challenge from the Xi faction to Zhang Yuxia, sparking considerable discussion.
Mr. Yanghe, how do you see the relationship between Zhong Shaojun’s behavior and Zhang Yuxia’s stance?
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