How to view the outcomes of the third round of U.S.-China Stockholm talks?
The statement from Li Chenggang, the Minister of Commerce and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Commerce, is very official, mainly reaching two aspects of consensus. First, continue to push forward the 24% reciprocal tariffs that have been suspended by the U.S.; Second, the Chinese countermeasures will be extended as scheduled.
It is difficult to be optimistic about this statement. In simple terms, it means two words: "wait and see," or just one word: "wait."
The U.S.-China relationship has once again reached a crossroads. It is clear that during the Stockholm talks, the U.S. raised the issue of China-Russia relations as a key topic, and China has remained firm in its original position. The U.S. actually knows that China cannot make any changes in its relationship with Russia. At this point, distancing itself from Russia would mean abandoning friends and weakening itself.
But the U.S. holds two illusions. First, that Russia will compromise under pressure, so that the trade relationships with China, India, and Pakistan will not be affected; Second, the hope that China might make some concessions, even if Russia still refuses to abandon the war, so that the U.S. and China can avoid the resurgence of conflict.
These two illusions are low-probability events, but ultimately, time will confirm them. Therefore, "waiting" and "watching" are the inevitable but necessary choices for both sides at this critical juncture. The Stockholm talks are destined to be only a transition. If there is any significance, it is that it has bought time for the final showdown, dragging it until November 12th to reveal the truth, waiting for a reversal of the situation, which would be beneficial for both sides.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839015178929152/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.