China's State-Backed Campaigns Target Dissent, Foreign Activists

Amid escalating tensions, China has adopted a firm stance against U.S. tariffs, responding with reciprocal measures and a commitment to 'fight to the end' despite the risk of economic decoupling. Current tariffs have surged to nearly 150%, significantly hampering trade, which has dropped to about 20% of pre-tariff levels. Concurrently, Chinese-backed cyber operations have increased, targeting U.S. government entities, dissidents, and private sectors as part of Beijing's broader strategy of espionage and intellectual property theft. Additionally, the Chinese Communist Party is intensifying efforts to suppress dissent abroad through intimidation tactics, including threats against activists and their families. These developments reflect a complex geopolitical landscape where both nations are grappling with their respective domestic and international challenges. The U.S. response has been characterized by a coercive policy approach, reminiscent of Cold War dynamics, as it seeks to counter China's influence globally.