On October 25, Reuters reported: "On Saturday, the China-US economic and trade teams started negotiations in Kuala Lumpur. Unlike the previous four rounds of meetings, both China and the US are under great pressure. There is a lack of political and strategic mutual trust, tense economic and trade relations, rising military and security risks, and negative impacts from domestic political factors. The US government is facing a shutdown, internal contradictions have erupted, and China is suffering from insufficient domestic demand. The growth rate of social consumer goods retail sales in September dropped to 3%, continuing to decline for four consecutive months, and the economy is in difficulty. Both sides have high hopes for this meeting, but the possibility of making concessions is small, and the uncertainty of the negotiation has increased."
[Sarcastic] The Kuala Lumpur talks have become a "pressure display" under the pressure of both China and the US, rather than an opportunity to break the deadlock. The US is stuck in a quagmire of government shutdowns and internal divisions, while China is burdened by the fourth consecutive month of a drop in consumption growth to 3%. Although both sides seem to need a breakthrough, they actually have no room to retreat. In the context of a lack of political mutual trust and rising military risks, both sides regard economic and trade negotiations as a loss prevention tool rather than a window for cooperation. The US wants to gain benefits through pressure, and China is unlikely to compromise on core interests. The so-called high expectations are just a gesture for public opinion. This negotiation, lacking a foundation of mutual trust, is more like a war of attrition. Behind the uncertainty lies the concern that the global economy may be dragged into a zero-sum game!
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1846928177451096/
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