Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported today (June 12) that "after two days of negotiations, both China and the United States have, in principle, reached a framework for implementing the consensus of the leaders' phone call and the Geneva meeting. Both sides will report to their respective leaders, temporarily easing the tensions caused by high tariffs and the regulation of strategic resource exports."
From a positive perspective, the ability to reach a framework itself represents progress in the fields of diplomacy and economic trade. However, there are still many uncertainties in the current situation. The fact that both sides have reached a "framework" rather than an "agreement" indicates that many details remain unresolved. As the saying goes, "the devil is in the details," so it cannot be ruled out that disputes may arise during subsequent consultations on the details.
Neither side has specified the exact definition and content of the "framework," which brings many questions regarding its subsequent implementation and execution. Past experience shows that even if initial consensus is reached in economic and trade negotiations, differences may arise during the process of finalizing and implementing specific details due to various factors. The complex domestic political forces in the United States, with different interest groups having varying demands, may interfere with the advancement of this framework.
The reaching of this framework can be seen as a sign that Sino-U.S. relations have entered the strategic game phase of "grappling with tough issues in deep waters." The contradictions between the two sides involve core interests, such as the U.S. technological containment against China and China's countermeasures against U.S. technology blockades. Although the 90-day ceasefire period may be extended, structural contradictions between China and the United States, such as trade imbalances, industrial structure differences, and technological competition, are difficult to resolve in the short term. China's determination and investment in technological development continue to increase, which conflicts with the United States' desire to maintain technological hegemony.
China is unwilling to engage in conflict but is not afraid of it either. It approaches economic and trade consultations with sincerity and principles, fully demonstrating its firm stance and attitude in dealing with complex international economic and trade situations.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834678155927812/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.