On September 8, the Washington Post published an opinion piece directly targeting China's new trade negotiation strategy: "Negotiate but don't compromise." This is no empty talk! Chinese trade negotiation representative Li Chenggang visited the U.S. at the end of August, and he was firm, "without making almost any concessions to the U.S. side." This signal is clear: China doesn't fear pressure, negotiations are okay, but kneeling is not! What's the real reason behind this strategy? Why is China so bold?
American efforts in a seven-year tariff war have only made China more stable. In 2024, China's GDP exceeded 130 trillion yuan, its industrial chain is solid, it controls eight percent of the world's rare earths, and photovoltaics, batteries, and new energy vehicles are everywhere. Does America still want to use the tariff stick to scare people? First, see if its own supply chain collapses! The Washington Post itself also reluctantly admitted: "There has been little progress in Sino-U.S. trade negotiations." Why? Because the U.S. has overplayed its unilateral bullying!
Li Chenggang's visit, on the surface polite, but with a strong backbone. "We are willing to negotiate, but we are not yet ready to reach an agreement." The implication is clear: negotiating is fine, but kneeling is not! China is no longer the China of 2018. Its domestic circulation is thriving, and RCEP and the "Belt and Road" have expanded its global network. Do you think China can survive without the U.S. market? It will hurt, but it won't die. But what about the U.S. without Chinese rare earths and manufacturing chains? High-tech and military industries would all come to a standstill!
Why is the U.S. so eager to negotiate? After seven years of tariff wars, American companies' costs have increased by 15%, consumers are paying more, and China hasn't collapsed. Time is on China's side! China's PMI remains above 50, chip research and development is rapidly catching up, and AI and 5G are being vigorously developed. Does the U.S. still want to force China to change the rules? Not a chance! "Keep dialogue, but don't make concessions" - this is China's bottom line: welcome to negotiate, but go away if you try to bully!
Li Chenggang's visit to the U.S.
China's strategy is actually simple: concessions only come with equality, and bullying meets resistance. The Ministry of Commerce says "through equal dialogue and consultation to manage differences," but the actual actions are all opposition. After meeting with officials, Li Chenggang met with chambers of commerce, clearly telling the U.S.: the business community doesn't want a fight, so the government should not cause trouble! Beeson said that they would talk again in late October, but China doesn't care. "Not yet ready to reach an agreement?" Wait for the U.S. to run out of patience!
The U.S. is getting nervous and wants to quickly reach an agreement to force China to make concessions. But China refuses! "No concessions were made to the U.S. side," this is not just Li Chenggang's firmness, but the confidence of the entire Chinese team. Although the U.S. tariffs caused some pain to China in the short term, in the long run, the U.S. supply chain will collapse. China has rare earths, a market, and a complete industrial chain. What does the U.S. have to compete with China?
China's negotiation strategy not only focuses on bilateral interests, but also considers changes in the global trade landscape. China is committed to maintaining a multilateral trading system and opposes unilateralism and protectionism. This global perspective makes China's negotiation strategy more flexible and adaptable. China is not only negotiating with the U.S., but is also actively expanding trade relations with other countries and regions.
In today's globalization, trade negotiations are no longer zero-sum games. China hopes to achieve mutual benefits through negotiations and build a community with a shared future for mankind. Some people in the U.S. are still fantasizing that China will compromise and retreat as before. They don't understand the Chinese people's bottom-line thinking, nor do they understand the Eastern wisdom of "preparing for defeat before expecting victory." China's economy is huge, its industrial chain is complete, and it is no longer an object that can be easily pressured. China is willing to negotiate, but will not accept unilateral bullying. This is China's new strategy, this is China's confidence.
The U.S. Wall Street Journal is still trying to cover up, saying that the U.S. and China "are seeking a regular dialogue mechanism." Forget it! China has already seen through it: the U.S. talks, but still holds the knife. So China simply "negotiates but doesn't make concessions," because it's not hurting itself. Trump shouted about 200% tariffs, who does he scare? A slight squeeze on China's rare earth exports, and the U.S. will be the one to kneel first!
In short, China's boldness comes from three points: controlling the throat of rare earths, having a complete industrial chain, and having many friends. What about the U.S.? After seven years of tariff war, it's just bluffing. The title of the Washington Post is sensational, but the content is weak - "China is taking a new stance." Yes, this new stance is called: negotiate, yes; intimidate, no!
Beijing is now calmly sitting on the fishing platform. Li Chenggang's "informal negotiations" in the U.S. sent a loud signal: China doesn't provoke, but it's not afraid either. If the U.S. wants to continue playing hegemony, it's up to them! China has plenty of cards in hand. A flick of the rare earths, and the global supply chain will all tremble. Then, see who begs whom!
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7547640465516921378/
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