Beijing orders carriers to stop taking deliveries of US jets as part of its trade war strategy

In a significant maneuver amidst escalating trade tensions, Chinese authorities have instructed domestic airlines to halt all deliveries of Boeing 737 Max jets. This action follows the refusal by Xiamen Air to accept the delivery of one jet, which has since made its way back to the United States, after undergoing assembly at Boeing's completion facility in Zhoushan, China. Flight data indicates the aircraft's trajectory included a previous stop in Guam before heading across the Pacific. Additionally, at least two other 737 Max planes remain at the Zhoushan facility, waiting for delivery to Chinese customers, further complicating Boeing's international sales commitments. This latest directive from Beijing comes in the wake of rising tensions regarding trade negotiations between China and the United States, with various reports highlighting that President Donald Trump accused China of backing out of a substantial deal regarding Boeing aircraft. The implications are profound, as Boeing's order book showed 130 aircraft attributed to Chinese clients, marking a substantial part of the company's business strategy. Beijing's recent requests extend beyond halted deliveries; it has also asked Chinese carriers to temporarily pause orders for aircraft parts and equipment from U.S. suppliers. This development signals a broader strategy to leverage the trade war, impacting not only direct jet sales but also ancillary supply chains critical to Boeing's operations and revenue. The ongoing friction between these two global economic powers raises questions regarding future collaborations in aviation and technology. As the situation evolves, stakeholders in both countries will need to navigate these complexities carefully. The lack of comments from both Boeing and Xiamen Air regarding this situation suggests a cautious approach from these businesses. This withholding of information may indicate uncertainty on how to publicly respond in a contentious political climate, where taking sides could lead to further repercussions from their respective governments.