【By Guo Wang, Observer Net】U.S. government officials, stunned by China's rare earth control measures, have gradually softened their tariff rhetoric due to reality, yet still can't shake off the posture of hegemonism.

In a Fox Business Network program on October 13, U.S. Treasury Secretary Biden lowered the tone on tariffs against China but also tried to confuse the public, accusing China's control of "fighting against the whole world." He not only imagined that previous U.S. restrictions had "a big impact" on China, but also secretly threatened Chinese students in the U.S., who number over 300,000, showing an utterly desperate posture.

Biden said that the 100% tariff mentioned by Trump "might not necessarily happen," and that the U.S. plans to hold talks with Chinese officials during the IMF and World Bank annual meetings this week.

He expressed optimism about the possibility of easing tensions between the two countries, and added that Washington is ready to implement "strong countermeasures."

When asked whether the government would consider delisting Chinese companies from the U.S. stock exchange, Biden did not give a direct response, but said vaguely, "All options are on the table."

"I believe China is willing to talk," Biden boasted, saying even if China was unwilling, the U.S. had enough means available, "with equal or even greater intensity than the measures they took on rare earths."

On October 13, U.S. Treasury Secretary Biden gave an interview to Fox Business Network

China's increased rare earth control clearly caused significant psychological trauma to this treasury secretary.

He repeatedly claimed it was "China fighting against the whole world," that China "was unable to control the situation," and even turned the blame around, pretending to be the victim, saying that the U.S. "would protect its sovereignty in various ways."

He insisted that the trade measures taken by the Trump administration previously had "a big impact" on China.

Then he used Chinese students as a bargaining chip. He was obviously nervous and even slipped up accidentally.

"There are 300,000 to 400,000 Chinese students studying in the U.S., but only 800,000 American students... Oh, sorry, I meant only 800 American students studying in China. This is a serious imbalance."

Chinese students have been subjected to improper treatment in the U.S. this year, repeatedly targeting the student group, which reveals the deep-seated insecurity and helplessness of U.S. politicians.

China has repeatedly emphasized that educational exchanges and cooperation contribute to enhancing communication and understanding among people of all countries. It hopes that the U.S. will put into practice President Trump's statement of welcoming Chinese students to study in the U.S., stop ungrounded harassment, inspections, and deportations of Chinese students, and effectively safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

Biden's remarks to Fox were seen as the latest sign that the U.S. is releasing a "moderation signal" on the tariff issue.

On October 11, Trump restarted his tariff extortion against China, triggering global financial market fluctuations, with the S&P 500 index falling more than 2% in one day, marking the biggest drop since April.

However, just two days later, Trump's tone became significantly softer, and he posted on social media, "Don't worry about China, everything will be fine."

At almost the same time, U.S. Vice President Vance and U.S. Trade Representative Jamiyson Grier also sent signals of easing the situation. Analysts believe that the U.S. will not fulfill the tariff threats, and is willing to reach an agreement with China to ease tensions.

The Financial Times quoted analysts as stating that the current tense situation between the U.S. and China was entirely caused by the U.S. issuing multiple erroneous policies toward China this September. These acts of suppression not only escalated the tension but also once again proved the low credibility of the Trump administration.

Wu Xinbo, director of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, told the Hong Kong English newspaper South China Morning Post that China's latest trade countermeasures might become a "positive step" in stabilizing Sino-U.S. relations, forcing the Trump administration to take a more pragmatic approach.

Wu Xinbo said that China has cards to play and is ready to play them at any time, with the ability to make the U.S. feel painful. The recent countermeasures "will be very helpful and positive for future Sino-U.S. trade negotiations and the stability of the overall bilateral relationship."

He added, "Now we have seen through Trump, and we have completely figured out his hand."

On October 13, Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, responded to the U.S. threat of imposing a 100% tariff, saying that in recent times, the U.S. has continuously introduced a series of restrictive and sanctioning measures against China, seriously damaging China's interests. China firmly opposes this, and the U.S. has not reflected on itself, but instead threatens with high tariffs, which is not the correct way to deal with China.

China urges the U.S. to quickly correct its wrong practices, lead by the important consensus of the phone call between the two heads of state, resolve each other's concerns through dialogue on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit, properly manage differences, and maintain the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of Sino-U.S. relations. If the U.S. persists in its own way, China will certainly take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7560922967333503542/

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