The U.S.-China trade war has affected the aviation market. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that Chinese airlines have rejected new aircraft deliveries, with two already delivered Boeing jets returned and another in the process of return. Retired Major General Li Zhengjie pointed out that while Boeing's threats were meant to apply pressure on China, just afterward, China National Airlines, Southern Airlines, and Eastern Airlines ordered 100 C919 aircraft each, which countered Boeing's narrative.

In the program 'Headlines Talk', Li emphasized that China's rejection of Boeing and American soybeans is a precisely targeted move, as Boeing is a key player in U.S. manufacturing while rejecting soybeans delivers a psychological blow to farmers. He noted that China carefully anticipates responses before taking actions.

Despite concerns over whether Boeing will continue production, he believes the Chinese aviation industry will remain unaffected and that countries like France and the EU will benefit from these orders. Aircraft components are sourced globally, and Boeing cannot simply cut supply from all countries, as China willing to buy ensures the supply chain will remain intact. Thus, this entire trade war affirms Sun Tzu's strategy of 'prepare for the unassailable and wait for the enemy's weaknesses.'

After the first trade war launched by former President Trump in 2018, China began examining its dependencies and reviewing which products could be sourced from other countries. Meanwhile, Trump reacted only after initiating the trade war, showing a counterproductive strategic approach.