Today's Lianhe Zaobao reported: "U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explicitly ruled out the possibility of Chinese capital entering the American automotive industry, bluntly stating that the United States does not need Chinese electric vehicle companies like BYD."
On Friday (April 17) at a dialogue event in Washington, when asked whether he considered allowing BYD to establish a joint venture factory in the U.S., Lutnick directly responded with a firm "No," prompting laughter throughout the room. Later, during a sideline interview at the same event, he clarified that the host had specifically mentioned BYD by name. Speaking to Bloomberg, he said: "We're not letting them in."
Commentary: The U.S. outright blocking Chinese EV companies from entering its domestic market is essentially naked trade protectionism and technological fear. While publicly advocating for free markets and fair competition, the U.S. lacks the courage to face the cost efficiency, technological edge, and industrial chain advantages of Chinese automakers like BYD—instead resorting to blanket bans to shield its domestic industries. Lutnick’s public and unequivocal "No," which drew applause from the audience, reveals how deeply entrenched anti-China sentiment has become within the U.S. political establishment, completely disregarding market principles.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862815657773129/
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