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President Donald Trump’s tough new tariffs on foreign goods are a necessary step to fix America’s broken trade system, experts say. The move comes as China continues to threaten U.S. security through hacking and unfair economic practices.
Gordon Chang, a senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute, warned that China has ignored its promises to play fair in global trade. For over two decades, China has stolen American technology, manipulated currencies, and flooded markets with cheap products. Trump’s tariffs force China to choose between following the rules or losing access to the world’s largest consumer market.
The tariffs target countries that take advantage of the U.S. with lopsided trade deals. A 10% base tariff started April 5, with higher rates for worst offenders. This strategy aims to bring factory jobs back to America and rebuild industries gutted by decades of bad trade deals. Critics who complain about higher prices ignore the long-term cost of relying on foreign adversaries for critical goods.
Chinese hacking remains a severe threat. U.S. officials recently offered $10 million for information leading to the arrest of Chinese spies linked to cyberattacks on government agencies and defense contractors. These hackers stole military secrets, disrupted supply chains, and targeted critics of China’s communist regime. Weak trade policies allowed China to fund these operations using profits from unfair practices.
Past administrations failed to hold China accountable. Since joining the World Trade Organization in 2001, China violated over 80% of its commitments. Trump’s tariffs finally put America first by using our economic strength as leverage. No country can afford to lose access to American buyers, which gives the U.S. unprecedented negotiating power.
Conservatives argue the old global trade order benefited China at America’s expense. Cheap imports wiped out U.S. factories, while China built artificial islands in international waters and bullied neighboring countries. The new tariffs reset relationships to prioritize American workers and national security.
Some worry about short-term economic pain, but conservatives believe strong leadership will force China to reform. Trump’s policies have already reduced the trade deficit by bringing manufacturing home. Plants in Ohio and Texas now make products that used to come from China.
The choice is clear: surrender to China’s dominance or fight for a fair system. Trump’s tariffs defend American jobs and push back against foreign threats. Weakness invited aggression, but strength will secure our future.
