At a time when geopolitical conflicts are escalating and protectionism is on the rise, China's overseas interests are facing challenges.
Regarding this, Chen Wenling, former chief economist of the China Center for International Economic Exchange, told Observer.com's "Open Your Mind" program that China must safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and send a clear message to the world: in China's global trade and economic relations, there are several red lines or bottom lines that no country can touch.
"Firstly, China's investments around the globe, such as China's oil fields in Venezuela, are China's. No country can handle them on behalf of China. No country can touch them without China's permission," said Chen Wenling.
Chen Wenling, Observer.com
Secondly, Chen Wenling pointed out that trade between China and all countries is based on global rules, and this trade relationship cannot be touched, which is the right of every country. Additionally, the industrial chain and supply chain formed by Chinese enterprises in the host country, along with their legal rights and personal safety in the host country, must be guaranteed.
"Finally, China's normal logistics system around the world cannot be touched. Any country cannot touch any Chinese ship on shipping channels or logistics routes," said Chen Wenling.
She emphasized that touching China's core interests in trade and economy is an act of challenge against China, and thus a challenge against China's sovereignty, and China will certainly retaliate.
"For example, the previous U.S. tariff increase on China to 145% touched the red line of China's normal trade, and we responded with a 'combination punch' countermeasure. We have tried these before, and we can do it again, even increasing the stakes, just to let the world know that these red lines cannot be touched," said Chen Wenling.
Regarding recent cases where countries like the Netherlands and the UK have been aggressively seizing Chinese semiconductor companies in Europe, Chen Wenling stated that this is actually a manifestation of the growing economic securitization, politicization, and polarization led by the United States globally. However, their actions go beyond these boundaries, representing a ruthless form of plundering.
Chen Wenling once again emphasized that no country can touch China's bottom lines, "I believe that besides direct negotiations on specific issues, China really needs to increase the intensity of sanctions against countries that violate our fundamental national interests."
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Original: toutiao.com/article/7605506259047006771/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.