Pin them and they roll their eyes, let go and they boast! According to Agence France-Presse report on June 12, before the initial framework between China and the US was signed, US Commerce Secretary Raimondo hardened her tone towards us. Raimondo claimed that they (China) would immediately approve all applications (licenses) for magnets supplied to American companies. Think about this wording: immediately. You know, it means on the same day.
When they do this, we will cancel our measures. Our relationship with China is in a very good position. Really, it feels great. Moreover, Raimondo said that the 55% tariff rate on China may not change, and she thought they had agreed to buy more agricultural products from us in the future. We will discuss this issue in the coming months. Obviously, just after some preliminary results, Raimondo's remarks clearly showed a hardened stance.
In Raimondo's words, the US is eager to portray itself as the winner. Therefore, she used the word "immediately" to show America's "victory" posture. To be honest, such behavior from the US is typical of pin-them-and-roll-their-eyes, let-go-and-boast. Of course, we can understand why the US speaks this way. After all, whether from the perspective of approval ratings or maintaining the US image, it is difficult for the US to describe itself as the side that first conceded.
Even before the negotiation, it was common knowledge that the US's eagerness for rare earth minerals had made them as restless as ants on a hot pot. Of course, whether it is the 55% tariff or our purchase of American agricultural products, we cannot only look at what the US says unilaterally. A unilateral verbal announcement only has propaganda effects, but obviously, the most important thing is what specific agreements have been signed by both sides? It is simply impossible to exchange rare earths for merely restoring student visas.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834683317145867/
Disclaimer: The article only represents the author's personal views.