Nobody wins in a trade war, and tariffs are always a bad idea, but let's not forget that they are just a weapon.

Why right now?

For many years China has been allowed to maintain a mercantilist dictatorship and protectionist model under the excuse that its high growth made it attractive.

Shortly before the US launched its set of tariffs, the Chinese government accelerated two dangerous policies that we cannot ignore: intensifying capital controls , limiting the outflow of dollars from the country, and increasing the list of banned companies and sites, two measures that proved that the Chinese government was unlikely to open  its economy, rather the opposite. These measures intensified in the last year and a half. Two other factors show China's decision to halt the opening of its system. The "Made In China 2025 Plan" and the removal of the two-term limit on the presidency, effectively allowing Xi Jinping to remain in power for life.