**China's Strategic Strike on Skydio Highlights New Trade War Tactics**

In a marked shift in economic relations, China has introduced a new tactic in its ongoing trade tensions with the United States. This strategy, termed 'supply chain warfare,' was dramatically illustrated when Chinese sanctions disrupted the operations of Skydio, a leading American drone manufacturer.

Skydio had positioned itself as a major player, providing autonomous drones primarily to U.S. defense and police agencies. Its appeal lay in its independence from Chinese supply chains, which are often suspected of security vulnerabilities. However, in a move that underscored these vulnerabilities, China imposed sanctions that cut off Skydio's access to its essential battery supplies just days before the U.S. presidential election.

The timing of the sanctions was critical, causing immediate logistical headaches for the San Mateo, California-based company. Skydio was forced to urgently seek alternative suppliers, delaying its deliveries to significant clients, including the U.S. military. This was seen as a direct response from China to President-elect Donald J. Trump's aggressive stance on China, which included promises of new sanctions and tariffs during his campaign.

Experts point out that this aggressive maneuver from China signals a readiness to escalate its responses beyond symbolic or proportional measures. The Skydio incident serves as a warning of how China might leverage its economic dominance to target American companies more effectively in the future.

This incident, covered extensively by Alexandra Stevenson in Hong Kong and Paul Mozur in Taipei, marks a significant moment in the ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States. It offers a glimpse into the potentially more intense and targeted economic conflicts that may arise as both nations continue their struggle for technological and economic supremacy.