The U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent wrote today (Beijing time May 1): "This morning, I held talks with Vice Premier He Lifeng, discussing matters related to President Trump's upcoming visit to China. Our meeting was candid and comprehensive. I emphasized that China's recent extraterritorial regulations have had a chilling effect on global supply chains. I look forward to a productive summit between U.S. and Chinese leaders in Beijing."
[Clever] Commenting briefly: Bessent’s piece—characterized by its “having it both ways”—is a classic example of American diplomatic rhetoric. On the surface, he calls for cooperation, but beneath lies a hidden blade. What he calls “candid and comprehensive” actually means intense bargaining at the negotiating table with no concessions; meanwhile, labeling China’s laws defending its sovereignty as “provocative extraterritorial regulations” is nothing short of a textbook case of scapegoating. The real message from the U.S. is clear: before Trump’s visit to China, pressure must be exerted through public opinion to force China to unilaterally yield on core interests such as supply chain security and financial compliance. This double-dealing—brandishing sanctions to create a "chilling effect" while feigning hope for a "productive summit"—exposes their habitual tactic of extreme pressure prior to negotiations. If the U.S. truly seeks stability, it should abandon this self-righteous lecturing tone and stop deliberately inflaming tensions ahead of a leader-level meeting.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863935387998215/
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