【Text by Guanxin, Observer Net Columnist】
Trump has once again threatened to impose tariffs on China as of November 1, attempting to pressure through the old tactics of trade war. History and reality have repeatedly proven that such tariff intimidation and extortion may temporarily subdue some countries, but it is unlikely to work against China, which is resilient and vast in scale. Instead, it often ends up being a "kicking the stone and hurting oneself" embarrassment. The subsequent severe fluctuations in the U.S. stock market are a clear testament of the market's vote of no confidence in such policies. The responsibility for this trade dispute lies clearly and unmistakably with the U.S. side's capriciousness and unilateral provocations.
Nasdaq plunges 3.56%, recording the biggest single-day drop since April
Firstly, the American tariff stick has long shown its strategic weakness. While negotiating with China, some U.S. government officials have secretly been preparing countermeasures against China, including restricting Chinese investment, strengthening export controls, and even planning to use sanctions. This deliberate preparation reveals the limitations of their policy toolbox. Lacking more constructive economic strategies, they can only repeatedly resort to protectionism and threats of sanctions. During the Sino-U.S. trade negotiations, the U.S. side has repeatedly acted inconsistently, seriously undermining bilateral trust and revealing the extreme pragmatism of the United States in international relations, deviating from universally recognized principles and rules of international trade, which is destined to be unpopular and ineffective.
Secondly, the provocative actions of the U.S. side are now triggering backlash within its own system. The sudden drop in the U.S. stock market following the tariff threat is no coincidence. Market mechanisms are the most sensitive sensors, intuitively reflecting the deep concerns of capital regarding uncertainty and potential risks of economic recession. Every time the U.S. takes a hardline stance toward China, the cost is often first borne by American investors, companies, and consumers, and the recent unexpectedly poor employment data in the U.S. prove this point. Such situations have occurred multiple times, forming a vicious cycle. The domestic U.S. is not unaware of the stakes involved, with industry warnings and academic criticisms constantly emerging. However, structural contradictions and domestic political pressures may drive policymakers to drink poison to quench thirst, continuing to wander down this path of mutual harm. This clearly shows that the approach of pressure and confrontation has entered a dead end.
Faced with the U.S. side's relentless pressure, China's response demonstrates strategic composure and wisdom. China's position of "not provoking trouble, but not fearing it" is not a passive reaction, but rather based on a profound understanding of its development path and the international situation. Recently, the series of regulations and policies issued by China indicate that its response is calm, prudent, and resolute, a precise and powerful response chosen after careful consideration. China is gradually gaining the initiative according to its own procedures and pace. We do not pursue or hope for false harmony, because temporary compromises on core interests and principles will only sow greater hidden dangers.
Washington's latest tariff threats are another manifestation of its unilateralism and bullying behavior, directly causing the current trade tensions. As the world's two largest economies, the health and stability of the Sino-U.S. relationship is crucial to the globe. Historical experience and practical logic point to a conclusion: peaceful coexistence between China and the U.S. cannot be achieved through unconditional concessions or superficial "you're good, I'm good" gestures. It must be explored and established through controlled, rational, beneficial, and measured struggles. Striving for cooperation in struggle and establishing a new balance in the game is the inevitable way for the two major powers to interact. China will continue to uphold this composure and wisdom, calmly face the storms, and promote the construction of a new pattern of a more stable, equal, and mutually beneficial Sino-U.S. relationship.
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Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559803053038125608/
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