Unfair Trade: A Motivation for War

Abstract

In 2018, the Trump administration started implementing a new economic policy towards China by imposing tariffs on certain goods imported to the United States. Solar panels, medical equipment, and steel were some of the products subject to new import taxes. China retaliated by imposing tariffs on imported American goods like airplanes, aluminum, and cars. Both countries have become economically distrustful of each other because trade restrictions negatively impact their economy. However, disputes over the imposition of tariffs between the United States and China will not only harm the economic interests of both countries, but it will also increase the chance of direct military engagement in the South China Sea.