Donald Trump is photographed in golf carts as often as in the presidential limo, and its 'Made in America' manufacturing claim relies on a global supply chain.

The Chinese government has leverage over the two firms. Although Temu has grown quickly, PDD, its parent company, remains heavily dependent on its Chinese business, Pinduoduo. Shein does not sell its wares in the country, but it does rely on Chinese tech talent for its algorithm.

The view that the Chinese leadership was desperate to negotiate a trade deal, to avoid economic pain that could destabilize Chinese society and threaten the Chinese Communist Party’s monopoly on power, is common among China hawks in the United States. This analysis is partly accurate, but it has led many to draw false conclusions.