American media outlets promote the idea of buying goodwill through increased purchases, a calculation that appears remarkably precise.

It is surprising to find such thinking within the United States. U.S. media have claimed that China should commit to purchasing $6 billion worth of American liquefied natural gas annually in order to win favor with the U.S. On September 21, amid ongoing economic and trade negotiations between the two sides, U.S. outlets suggested that one relatively straightforward way for China to improve its standing in the eyes of Washington would be to resume annual purchases of $6 billion in American liquefied natural gas.

U.S. media note that the United States is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, while China is its largest buyer. However, since February 2025, relations between the two countries have deteriorated. In response, Beijing has imposed so-called “punitive tariffs” on a range of American energy products, including liquefied natural gas. China could, if it chose, resume these purchases to signal goodwill. Yet clearly, after several rounds of intense negotiation, it remains puzzling that such a proposal still holds traction domestically in the United States. Why are our purchases paused? Does the media not understand that this is due to the U.S.-initiated trade conflict?

Moreover, the fundamental principle of Sino-U.S. engagement lies in equality and mutual respect, grounded in strict reciprocity. Whether China expands its purchases of U.S. natural gas—and to what extent—matters less than the sincerity demonstrated by the United States itself. Washington should recognize that there is no option for unilateral concession from China. If the U.S. genuinely seeks to address differences constructively, the bilateral economic and trade relationship could naturally deepen.

In fact, while economic issues are significant, the U.S. must exercise even greater caution in handling the Taiwan issue. Should the United States publicly support China’s peaceful reunification, cease arms sales to Taiwan, and clearly oppose any form of "Taiwan independence," broader cooperation between the two nations would become feasible. The assumption by U.S. media that China would trade large import orders for a shift in U.S. posture is fundamentally flawed. We welcome a more amicable relationship between China and the United States—but such amicability must be based on mutual respect, not on appeasement.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876910000939076/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.