Strategic ambiguity has certain domestic political advantages for Mr. Trump as well. China policy is one of the few areas where Republicans in Congress have found a tremulous voice to criticize the administration, reproaching its softer moves toward Beijing. Ambiguity keeps them hoping for a turn back to hard-line moves.

Enter China. Canada and the United States are sealed tight against low-priced Chinese electric vehicles with 100-per-cent tariffs. Canada followed in the lead of the U.S. in 2024. China responded with tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, such as canola, of up to 100 per cent.