How Trump's $250-bn trade war with China has run into a one-man obstacle

The trade fight between the world's two biggest economies has businesses on both sides jostling to adjust

U.S. President Donald Trump’s $250 billion economic battle with China has run into a one-man obstacle. A trade-war whisperer working for the other side.

From a Hong Kong apartment, entrepreneur Ben Chu runs contract negotiation lessons online for Chinese factory owners and businesses to give them a leg up with American buyers. The 40-year-old is emerging as a resistance leader among small local manufacturers grappling with U.S. tariffs -- and he’s beaming a clear message to his followers. China has the upper hand so get out there and cut a better deal, he tells his classes.

In the intensifying trade conflict, Chu’s