The stakes of a trade war.

China and the United States: An Economic Duel with Global Stakes.

China began its revolutionary transformation in 1966 under the leadership of Mao Zedong. Though this process came at a tremendous human cost, its effects materialized two decades later, propelling the Middle Kingdom to its current status as the world’s leading economic power.

Now, under the impetus of Donald Trump, the United States seems to be embarking on its own revolution—one marked by a shift toward protectionism and potential isolationism. Yet, faced with today’s geo-economic challenges—notably the declared trade war against China—the U.S. must modernize the very foundation of China’s success: its infrastructure.

However, infrastructure isn’t built overnight—unless Elon Musk has unlocked the secret to the construction of Egyptian pyramids...

Is the Trump administration playing with fire?

Certainly not. The American president relies on the expertise of top industrial leaders (Elon Musk is the greatest businessman on earth), guardians of a strategy aimed at preventing an impending financial crisis and restoring a real, tangible economy. By reindustrializing the nation and revitalizing productive employment, the U.S. seeks to strengthen its strategic autonomy—hence the emphasis on raw materials, as illustrated by Trump’s proposal to Volodymyr Zelensky.

To avoid fruitless speculation, let us remember this: the trade conflict between the world’s two largest exporters is reshuffling the global economic order.

Unlike China, the American market remains the world’s leading consumer within a Western ecosystem. Shifting consumption patterns requires first a change in mindset, coupled with increased productivity—all while keeping competition in check.

Under Trump, America is heading down this path—as evidenced by recent cabinet meetings—by transforming its dietary habits, healthcare system, and economic model.

Trump’s "me against the world" stance reflects the boldness of any great revolutionary enterprise: unafraid to course-correct when needed, visionary leaders know how to shape new economic paradigms.

The Strategic Showdown Between Trump and Xi: A Geo-Economic Spectacle

We watch with fascination as these two titans maneuver, far preferring this economic war to the bloody conflict in Gaza—which, it must be said, also has economic underpinnings, given the gas reserves discovered off its coastal strip.

In Africa, we observe and comment, but don’t expect any official position to be taken. Our leaders will wait—almost religiously—for the victor of this trade war to hand them their roadmap.

Yet, while natural resources and trade flows dominate global debates, Africa still struggles to implement its own regional free trade agreements.

Are we mere spectators? Perhaps. But if we cannot choose a side, then let us embrace the role of referee.

Yusuf Monhaaté