|
Over the last few months U.S.-China trade relations have been pretty hard to make sense of - unless you look at what's happening through the lens of game theory. Game theory is all about how decisions are made, based not just on one side's options and payoffs, but on the choices and incentives of others.
So, are Donald Trump and Xi Jinping competing in a simple game of chicken? Or is the game more like the prisoner's dilemma? On today's show, we try to decide which of four possibilities might be the best model for this incredibly high-stakes game. And we take a look at who is playing well and who might need to adjust their strategy.
For more on the U.S.-China trade war:
- The 145% tariff already did its damage
- What happened to U.S. farmers during the last trade war
- What "Made in China" actually means
This show was hosted by Keith Romer and Amanda Aronczyk. It was produced by Sam Yellowhorse Kesler. It was edited by Jess Jiang, fact-checked by Sierra Juarez and engineered by Kwesi Lee with help from Robert Rodriguez and Cena Lofreddo. Additional production help from Sylvie Douglis. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer.
Find more Planet Money: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.
Listen free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify,
|
|
Is Trump's trade strategy in limbo? Yes, but ‘Tariff Man' has options.
|
|
Trump claims China 'totally violated' trade agreement with US ABC NewsChina hits back after Trump claims it is 'violating' tariff truce BBCTrump Accuses China of Violating Trade Agreement The New York TimesTrump Says China ‘Totally Violated' Trade Agreement With US Bloomberg
|
|
U.S. stocks roared back in May as global trade tensions eased, but tariff-related developments around the month's end suggest a smooth climb from here may be challenging.
|
|
S&P 500 posts best month since 2023 as Wall Street tries to ignore the trade war CNNStocks ride May gains to best month since 2023 as investors look past trade concerns NBC NewsStock market today: S&P 500 marks best May in 30 years as Wall Street bets on tariff relief Yahoo FinanceStock Market News, May 30, 2025: S&P 500, Nasdaq Finish May With Biggest Monthly Gains Since November 2023; Trump Plans to Double Steel Tariff
|
|
President Donald Trump said twice Friday that China had breached the terms of the trade agreement between the two countries, but offered scant details.
|
|
S&P 500 falls as China trade tensions return to end a big winning month for markets: Live updates CNBCChina hits back after Trump claims it is 'violating' tariff truce BBCStocks drop as Trump claims China has ‘violated' trade agreement CNNTrump accuses China of violating preliminary trade deal CNBC
|
|
