Donald Trump is making China an offer it can’t refuse, so says Charles Lipson of Real Clear Politics. From the article

The U.S. can either accept Chinese protectionism, as Europeans and previous U.S. administrations have, or it can make them an offer they can’t refuse. The terms are obvious:

* Threaten China’s export-driven economy
* Make that threat believable and sustainable
* Offer China a reasonable deal
* Make it costly for China to delay, and
* Buttress the deal with tough enforcement mechanisms

And the money quote (emphasis, mine)

Trump is taking the Don Corleone option. He acted swiftly and ruthlessly when Chinese trade negotiators withdrew concessions they had already made in writing. On Friday, he more than doubled tariffs to 25% on some $200 billion worth of Chinese exports, with promises of more to come.

Cranking up tariffs that high in one fell swoop, is akin to putting a horse head in your opponent’s bed. Sure is nice to have a President who knows well and good, just which country’s interests he’s supposed to be looking out for. The world is taking notice. America is back.

Mike Ford is a retired Infantry Officer who writes on Military, Foreign Affairs and occasionally dabbles in Political and Economic matters.

Follow him on Twitter: @MikeFor10394583

You can find his other Red State work here.