Trump's potential strategic shift: Prioritizing resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to concentrating on challenges posed by China, as suggested by Aakar Patel.

In the ever-evolving landscape of international politics and economics, several significant developments have emerged in recent times.

The end of US backing in Ukraine has sparked speculation about Russia's potential dominance over the region. Meanwhile, the Biden administration's decision in November 2024 to allow Ukraine to use US-made missiles to attack deep inside Russia has added a new dimension to the ongoing conflict.

Across the Pacific, China is poised to equal and then surpass the US economy over the next few decades, given its past growth rates. This economic rise has been facilitated by a large and talented population that has moved China's economy and industry up the value chain at an unprecedented pace over the past 40 years.

However, the actions of former US President Donald Trump have aimed to hinder China's growth. Trump introduced tariffs on Chinese goods, which have led to chaos and uncertainty in global markets, resulting in a strengthening of the dollar. Yet, a stronger dollar makes it harder for the US to export its manufactures and maintain the trade deficits Trump sought to reduce.

Trump's tariffs and restrictions on China, such as the ban on high-end computer chips, are part of his plan to prevent China from exceeding the US economically. Trump added 10% additional tariffs on all Chinese goods coming into the US and another 10% that is due to come into effect this week.

Moreover, Trump has threatened countries, including those in the Brics alliance, against using currencies other than the dollar, as part of his plan to keep China under control.

The ongoing tensions between the US and China have raised concerns about potential global conflicts. In October 2024, the head of the largest US bank, JP Morgan CEO, warned about the risk of World War 3 due to the Ukraine war, genocide in Gaza, and the rise of China. Reuters reported that a Russian lawmaker stated that Biden's missile decision risked World War 3.

It is important to note that China is considered America's only peer competitor, not Russia or any other nation. Trump's actions are often seen as targeting China, with the aim of handicapping its rise and keeping the dollar as the only reserve global currency.

In a surprising turn of events, the continuous bombing of Gaza ended with a peace deal Mr Trump forced on Israel in January. However, the discussions in the White House on Friday unfolded about the potential obliteration of humankind, highlighting the seriousness of the geopolitical tensions.

The writer of this article, Aakar Patel, is the chair of Amnesty International India, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications of these global power struggles. Despite Trump's actions not seeming to be concerned about the potential impact on American consumers, it is clear that these events have far-reaching consequences for the world at large.