China's Xi stood up to Trump's tariff blitz with years of preparation

Beijing pushed to increase self-reliance in the 7 years since Trump's first term

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Chinese President Xi Jinping was willing to take an economic hit rather than be the first to blink. © Reuters

YURI MOMOI

TOKYO -- As China and the U.S. hit each other with tit-for-tat tariffs during an April standoff, Chinese President Xi Jinping knew he had one advantage over Donald Trump -- an economy less dependent on the U.S. thanks to years of efforts.

The U.S. slashed its "reciprocal" tariff rate on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% on Wednesday. Small packages under $800 in value, which had been subject to a "de minimis" duty of 120% of the assessed value or $100 per package, are now subject to a 54% tariff.

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