Standing Up Against China’s Retaliation: Defending American Industry the America First Way

For years, China has used its vast market power not just as an economic tool but as a strategic weapon — targeting American companies across multiple industries to pressure the United States into making policy concessions. From technology and agriculture to aerospace, Beijing’s approach is clear: punish U.S. businesses to advance its geopolitical goals.

This pattern of economic retaliation isn’t rooted in free markets or fair competition. It’s a calculated strategy designed to weaken key sectors of the American economy and coerce political outcomes favorable to the Chinese Communist Party. President Trump recognized these tactics long before the political establishment did — and he made confronting them a cornerstone of his America First trade agenda.

One of the most visible recent examples of this strategy is China’s targeting of the American aerospace industry, with Boeing emerging as a prime focal point. Chinese regulators and state-owned airlines have signaled delays and cancellations of major aircraft orders, a move widely interpreted as leverage against U.S. policy positions. Yet Boeing’s story is just one chapter in a much larger playbook of economic coercion that spans multiple sectors — from soybean farmers facing punitive tariffs to technology firms navigating arbitrary regulatory crackdowns.

As White House trade adviser Peter Navarro put it, “We need to have Boeing’s back as a country.” He underscored that despite China’s tactics, “the good news is that, seemingly, for every jet that China is now refusing to take, there’s other countries willing to buy these things quite rapidly.”

Navarro’s point highlights a broader truth: American industry — from aerospace to agriculture — remains a bedrock of innovation, national security, and economic strength. With a vast network supporting millions of high-skilled jobs and thousands of suppliers across the country, when China targets one sector, it is, in effect, attacking American workers and our technological leadership writ large.

Beijing’s long history of using market access as leverage only reinforces the urgent need — championed by President Trump — to reduce our dangerous over-reliance on the Chinese market. Fortunately, thanks to the resilience of American manufacturing and the global competitiveness of our industries, demand for American products remains strong. From Europe and Asia to the Middle East, nations continue to seek out U.S. goods and technologies for their superior quality, safety, and innovation.

Now is not the time for complacency or appeasement. It is time for unity, resolve, and a clear-eyed America First strategy. Policymakers, business leaders, and citizens alike must stand shoulder to shoulder with American industry — whether in aerospace, technology, or agriculture — and reject Beijing’s intimidation tactics. Supporting our industries isn’t just about economics; it’s about safeguarding American innovation, security, and independence.

With resilience at home and strong demand abroad, American companies — Boeing included — will continue to thrive despite China’s attempts at economic blackmail. Under bold leadership and a steadfast commitment to America First principles, we will not bow to Beijing’s pressure. We will defend our industries, our workers, and our economic sovereignty.