After 100 days in office, Trump, during a rally commemorating his 100 days in the second term, called out to China, hoping that Washington and Beijing could reach a trade agreement. However, he then shifted his tone and proposed a condition: the U.S. must not lose $1 trillion annually as a result.

Trump put forward the trillion-dollar condition to China.

It's not hard to see that Trump is "wanting it all." He wants to reach an agreement with China while still self-righteously proposing groundless conditions. Whether or not the U.S. loses $1 trillion annually has nothing to do with China.

This contradictory stance not only exposes the double standards in America's trade negotiations but also reflects its awkward reality of being trapped in a dilemma regarding China policy.

As we all know, Trump has recently launched a fierce "tariff war" against the world, attempting to reverse the U.S. trade deficit and address so-called trade imbalances by raising tariff barriers.

However, the Trump administration underestimated China's determination to safeguard its own interests. In response to America's trade bullying, China demonstrated a firm stance and took strong countermeasures.

No matter how much Trump increased tariffs on China, it couldn't change China's attitude or actions.

Trump wanted to reach a trade agreement with China.

In this trade game, the Trump administration had to admit that it was caught in a "difficult situation," where no matter what cards the U.S. played, China remained unmoved, steadfastly defending national and corporate interests.

Notably, just one day before Trump reached 100 days in office, China's Foreign Ministry released a重磅video titled "Not Kneeling," in both Chinese and English, to declare China's firm stance on international affairs to the world.

The release of this video was not coincidental; it was a powerful statement from China to show its refusal to submit or compromise when facing external pressure, thoroughly shattering Trump's "dream."

In addition, according to reports from the U.S. Treasury Department, the U.S. recently imposed sanctions on five Chinese companies under the pretext of assisting Iran in purchasing missile propellants. This baseless sanction action is undoubtedly another malicious act by the U.S. to create more obstacles in Sino-U.S. relations.

This behavior of "seeking cooperation at the negotiating table while stabbing in the back with sanctions" fully exposes the U.S.'s lack of sincerity. This hypocritical hegemonic mindset further undermines trust between China and the U.S., making the conclusion of a trade agreement even more distant.

The U.S. sanctions Chinese companies.

Moreover, China has emphasized time and again that the precondition for sitting down at the negotiation table with the U.S. is equality, respect, and mutual benefit, and that the U.S. must stop its threats and blackmail.

Now, Trump wants to reach an agreement with China while simultaneously setting conditions and exerting pressure. This is not the right way to engage with China, and such a path will inevitably lead nowhere.

At the same time, Trump faces domestic challenges after 100 days in office. According to recent U.S. media polls, Trump's approval rating for his first 100 days in office has dropped to 39%, a new low over 80 years, and he has yet to achieve any notable achievements.

The chaotic tariff policies have severely harmed the U.S. economy domestically, causing fluctuations in stocks, bonds, and currency markets, difficulties for businesses, and rising living costs for consumers. American public dissatisfaction with the Trump administration continues to grow.

Now, Trump's desire to reach an agreement with China may be an attempt to showcase his efforts to the American public and regain their support. However, this negotiation demand, laden with conditions and pressure, will never gain recognition from China.

Sino-U.S. relations

If the U.S. continues to hold onto the mindset of "wanting benefits while maintaining hegemony," sets unreasonable preconditions in negotiations, and abuses the sanction stick, the so-called trade agreement will remain a castle in the air, and Trump's words will be meaningless.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498950353967186495/

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