President Trump’s tariffs have undeniably put pressure on China’s economy, but his recent moves might be handing Beijing an unexpected advantage on the world stage. While the U.S. leader’s policies target China directly, they’ve also created rifts with longtime allies, leaving room for China to step in and strengthen its international ties.

Take Colombia, for example. Just a day after Trump announced tariffs on Colombian goods, China’s ambassador to the country declared relations between Beijing and Bogotá were at their “best moment” in decades. While the timing might have been coincidental, the message was clear: China sees an opening to expand its influence in regions where the U.S. is pulling back.

Since taking office for a second term, Trump’s “America First” approach has been a double-edged sword for China. On one hand, his tariffs—like the recent 10% levy on Chinese goods—are hitting China’s already struggling economy hard. The new tariffs were reportedly a response to China’s failure to curb fentanyl exports, and retaliation could escalate into a full-blown trade war.

But on the other hand, Trump’s foreign policy decisions have left the U.S. isolated in many ways. By imposing steep tariffs on allies like Canada and Mexico, cutting foreign aid, and withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, Trump has weakened America’s global leadership. This has given China a chance to position itself as a more reliable partner on the world stage.

For Beijing, the current situation is a mix of challenges and opportunities. While the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs is undeniable, the political vacuum created by strained U.S. alliances could allow China to expand its influence in ways it couldn’t before. As tensions between the two superpowers continue, the global balance of power may be shifting in unexpected ways.