Neither Beijing nor Washington is looking to back down as the U.S.-China trade war escalates. But massive tariffs on exports to the U.S. aren't enough to dampen the spirits of these Chinese manufacturers.
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00:00For these factory workers in eastern China's Zhejiang province, it's business as usual,
00:09assembling Christmas tree branches in the lead-up to the end-of-year holiday.
00:14But these festive decorations might not be making it to the U.S. this year.
00:20Like many in the region, this factory is focused on exporting its products outside of China,
00:26with the U.S. as a valuable market.
00:30But the recent trade spat between Beijing and Washington has seen a brutal tariff of 145% imposed on Chinese products to the U.S.
00:41Yet these manufacturers are refusing to be disheartened by Trump's aggressive policy.
00:47When the first thing happened, our business had a bit of a sad feeling.
00:56But these two days later, everyone has more of a peaceful heart.
01:00It's just that we can't be forgiven.
01:04We wish to have a happy country with this war.
01:07And it's not just Guo who's glad China is fighting back.
01:11Elsewhere, in one of Zhejiang's large wholesale markets, Wang Xuxue feels the same.
01:17As China's powerhouse of production keeps churning, manufacturers say they will adapt and remain confident for the future.
01:35This isn't the first time that we've been here.
02:05Washington and Beijing are at loggerheads.
02:08But now, the World Trade Organization anticipates an 80% reduction in U.S.-China trade in goods.
02:17With manufacturing in places like Zhejiang still full steam ahead,
02:21it begs the question of which side is set to be hit the hardest in this trade war.
02:26Ryan Wu and Izzy Wells for Taiwan Plus.