China's manufacturing sector contracted sharply in May, with the Caixin/S&P Global PMI dropping to 48.3, reflecting a significant decline in export orders due to US tariffs. This downturn, driven by reduced foreign demand, marks the fastest contraction since September 2022 and signals broader economic challenges, prompting Chinese policymakers to plan a substantial increase in government spending to mitigate tariff impacts. The divergence between the Caixin and official PMI readings highlights the sensitivity of export-oriented firms to trade tensions, underscoring the complex economic repercussions of US-China tariffs on global supply chains.