The world is entering an era of protectionism” as the U.S. turns to aggressive tariffs, warns one China expert. How nasty will it get?

Chinese leader Xi has responded by hitting the gas on manufacturing, pushing Chinese companies to pump out a surfeit of goods that are pouring into foreign markets and propping up the economy at home.

China is reportedly preparing to counter potential US tariffs, setting the stage for an economic tit-for-tat that could further strain relations. It is also focusing on exploiting rifts between the US and its allies,