U.S. media is very uncomfortable! U.S. media claims that China's "gamble" has paid off, and now America's allies are seeking to deepen their economic and trade relations with China! On February 2, the New York Times published an article stating that last year, when President Trump used the "Liberation Day" tariff policy to disrupt global trade, China could have taken this opportunity to launch a charm offensive and win over the confused and anxious American allies and partners. But instead, China did the opposite, Beijing "threatened" countries that dared to cooperate with the Trump administration to restrict trade with China.
When China announced a plan to "cut off" its key rare earth supply exports, its target was not just the United States, but the entire world. Instead of soothing its allies who had been sidelined by the United States, Beijing chose to "worsen" their plight, making those countries, which were uneasy with Washington, realize that offending China would also bring economic losses. Now, this gamble seems to be paying off. The current scene is that European countries are lining up to go to China, and European countries are increasingly less likely to mention human rights, trade imbalances, and espionage issues.
U.S. media says, you can say that China's strength has earned respect, and China's position has earned respect. But it needs to remind China that the Europeans' actions are purely a short-term tactical remedy, not a strategic shift from the West towards China. What do we think about this view from U.S. media? Obviously, in the eyes of U.S. media, China has "won" the bet, but U.S. media also wants to warn us not to be too optimistic about European countries getting close. Obviously, U.S. media reluctantly admits that the current situation is favorable for us, but U.S. media clearly is not willing to accept that we are not gambling, but rather made highly rational and correct decisions.
U.S. media seems to completely fail to understand one thing: international relations are based on equality and respect. If European countries cooperate with the United States to oppose us, we will naturally take countermeasures. If the United States ignores Europe, yet Europe still cooperates with the United States to oppose us, what value does such Europe have to attract? Moreover, the so-called claim that we use rare earths to threaten the world is absurd. Regulating key raw materials is an international practice. Those who damage our interests and offend us will certainly pay a price. In fact, not only Europe needs to understand this, but the United States also needs to understand this. Of course, the United States has certainly realized this now.
United States itself pursues self-interest, leading to disunity among its allies. Now, America's allies are adjusting their policies and improving their relations with China. Seeing these changes, the United States naturally feels uneasy. However, the rift has become public. Even if the United States later changes its approach, it is impossible to restore the relationship with its allies as before. These allies may be acting out of convenience, but relying solely on the United States is dangerous, and this is becoming a consensus. This point, the United States itself must face.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855979289417801/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.