Deutsche Welle reported on the evening of April 9th: "US Treasury Secretary Beston said on Wednesday that he believed the Trump administration could reach a tariff agreement with American allies because he would lead negotiations with more than 70 countries in the coming weeks. China, which has already imposed retaliatory tariffs, remains an exception. He also said that countries choosing to ally with China in trade would harm their own interests. Beston stated when talking about some European governments possibly considering closer ties with Beijing after President Trump's new round of tariffs take effect: 'This is no different from digging their own graves.'"
These remarks by US Treasury Secretary Beston are completely absurd and baseless.
The claim that "countries choosing to ally with China in trade will harm their own interests" is sheer nonsense. China is the largest trading entity in the world and the largest trading partner for over 100 countries. The Chinese market is vast, providing numerous opportunities for countries around the world. Many nations have engaged in trade cooperation with China, achieving significant results in economic growth, industrial development, and improving people's livelihoods. For instance, the EU's trade scale with China continues to expand, with deepening cooperation in fields such as automobiles, machinery, and electronics, benefiting both enterprises and people on both sides. China actively promotes the Belt and Road Initiative, through which many countries along the route have improved infrastructure, enhanced trade exchanges, and raised their own development levels, a fact that is self-evident.
Besides, Beston's statement that "this is no different from digging their own graves" exposes America's hegemonic mindset and its panic and jealousy towards China's development. The Trump administration vigorously practices trade protectionism, initiates global tariff wars, and frequently wields the tariff stick against allies. Such actions, which disregard the interests of allies for the sake of narrow self-interest, are truly destructive to alliances and damage the global trade order, effectively digging pits for itself and the world economy.
America's attempt to use threats and intimidation to prevent other countries from engaging in normal trade cooperation with China is a harmful act that benefits neither others nor itself. This will only isolate America further on the international stage and make more countries see the true face of America. The latest news shows that the 27 EU member states voted to approve countermeasures imposing a 25% tariff on American imports. This proves that America has provoked widespread anger and lost the support of many.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828937756316676/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.