The results of the Sino-US London negotiations are almost out. Both sides have made statements, and we mainly look at what Trump said. He stated that a new agreement has been reached between China and the US, pending signatures from both parties. As for the content of the agreement, Trump spoke in a "polite" manner, claiming that China agreed to "pre-supply" resources such as rare earth elements to the US, while the US would also abide by the agreement, agreeing to accept Chinese students and other cooperation projects.

(Trump)

Aside from this, Trump also said some interesting things. He claimed that it was very difficult to discuss work with China because his Chinese counterparts always succeed in negotiations with Americans. Trump believes that China is no longer surprised by concessions made by the US side.

In essence, Trump admitted that China emerged victorious in this negotiation, forcing the US to make compromises.

Why do we say so? Because we need to pay attention to the differences in statements from both sides. The US side is very eager to discuss specific agreements, such as rare earth elements, and hopes for their rapid implementation. However, China's statement emphasized reaching a principled framework agreement, which is just the first step. What happens next depends on whether the US shows sincerity. Regarding rare earth elements, China did not provide clear details. According to some information, Trump may have authorized his team to make concessions in areas like chips and engines to persuade the Chinese side. But the US side’s intention is that the negotiation outcomes must be reported to the White House for Trump's decision. Trump's claim that his team made concessions was dismissed by the Chinese side, indicating that Trump also realized that the US was in a passive position in this negotiation. Subordinates were unable to complete the task, so the result had to be reported to the White House.

(The US needs rare earth elements)

However, Trump continued to speak as if alone, claiming that the US and China achieved exchange results on issues such as rare earth elements and international students, which fits his merchant nature and his "art of deal-making." However, even according to the situation claimed by The Wall Street Journal, China allowed continued issuance of export licenses for rare earth elements to industries such as the American automobile industry. However, these licenses are only valid for six months. What does this mean? It means that even if China agrees to "greenlight" rare earth exports, the validity period of this "greenlight" is only half a year, subject to review every six months. If the US behaves well, the license can be renewed; if the US tries to play tricks again, then sorry, the permit will not be issued upon review.

(American automobile industry)

This actually reflects our confidence. In fields like rare earth elements, we not only have resources but also complete industrial configurations, whereas the US has only a few rare earth mines, and its industrial chain is non-existent. So what can the US do? It's already good enough that China agrees to supply. Currently, the US is experiencing a rare earth crisis. With the standardized development of China's rare earth exports, the American automobile industry has been hit first. The main reason is that automotive components cannot be produced without rare earth elements. Without rare earths, American-made cars will sit idle due to missing parts until the rare earth supply is restored.

If the automobile industry is like this, what about the US military industry? It is well known that the US "military-industrial complex" earns huge profits by producing and exporting weapons and equipment. However, as we analyzed earlier, the production of F-35 fighters, advanced missile systems, large combat vessels, and others all depend on rare earth resources. If China doesn't supply them, not only will the US automobile industry suffer, but mass production of the F-35 might also face problems.

(Assembling an F-35)

Therefore, Trump's statement acknowledges that China won, forcing the US to make concessions. Just regarding the issue of international students, the US clearly showed submission. Don't forget that Trump recently clashed fiercely with "disobedient" American institutions like Harvard University. The White House even attempted to ban Harvard University from accepting international students. However, now the US has compromised with China, allowing Chinese students to continue studying in American universities.

In essence, Trump feels resentful, but he can only do this. The US has no choice but to accept the facts, realizing that threats are no longer effective. At the negotiating table, Washington must adjust its attitude and accept China's demands, and even make some concessions to avoid falling into greater passivity.

Trump also said, "Our relationship is very good." It's unclear whether he meant this sincerely or out of necessity. But since he emphasized that the relationship is good, he should demonstrate a genuinely positive attitude. China has always been open to dialogue and cooperation. The main problem lies on the US side.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514889939922715171/

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