America demands that China make "substantial concessions," and the Foreign Ministry released a video to respond from afar, representing 1.4 billion people and clearly stating its stance in just two words: "no submission." This is not only said to America but also to the international community.

After almost a month of the tariff war, everyone can see China's firm attitude.

This video vividly and clearly explains why China will not yield under America's tariff threats.

[China deeply understands the consequences of submitting to hegemony]

The core logic is: once submitting to hegemony, it will only lead to deeper crises for oneself.

The video also provides two examples: the U.S.-Japan Plaza Accord and Alstom, the former French industrial giant.

When mentioning the Plaza Accord, many may be familiar with it. In the 1980s, the U.S., using "trade imbalance" as an excuse, targeted Japan's advantageous industries for suppression.

America's situation at that time was somewhat similar to now: high fiscal deficits, heavy debts, large trade deficits, and another country with a huge surplus.

[Foreign Ministry: China does not kneel!]

Previously Japan, now China. Many signs indicate that America intends to repeat its old tricks, using the same methods it used on Japan to force China to compromise.

America first forced the appreciation of the yen through the Plaza Accord, weakening Japan's export competitiveness, while imposing high tariffs on Japanese main products exported to the U.S.;

Over 16 years, America launched 15 "Section 301" investigations against Japan's industries and conducted precise strikes on Japan's leading enterprises, eventually forcing Japan to commit to "limit exports."

However, Japan's continuous compromises did not bring benefits; instead, it led to "thirty lost years," leaving Japan without bargaining power in the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Alstom's experience is even more lamentable.

[America tightens its grip on Japan step by step]

Before being targeted by America, this company had outstanding performance in its power business. Through "long-arm jurisdiction," American authorities arrested several senior executives of Alstom, forcing the company to sell three-quarters of its business to its competitor, General Electric.

Clearly, the global pillar industry of France was being publicly dismembered and acquired by America. However, throughout the process, the French government watched indifferently and even greenlit the acquisition when America initiated it.

Here, we must mention that the then Minister of Economy was none other than Emmanuel Macron, who is now the President of France.

After Alstom submitted, France's nuclear power business became largely dependent on American enterprises, losing strategic autonomy.

After GE acquired Alstom, initially, they made grand promises about "reopening jobs," but four years later, there were massive layoffs. Many believe this "industrial disaster" was caused by Macron.

[American politicians show off on Capitol Hill, smashing Japanese products]

In our case, these are lessons we can learn directly. Submitting will not bring equal cooperation; only fighting till the end and resolute countermeasures offer a chance for America to sincerely negotiate rather than act arbitrarily due to its hegemonic status.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized during the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting that retreating continuously would only embolden the bully.

Now, America demands that China make so-called "substantial concessions," hoping China will compromise to achieve an easy victory in the tariff war.

To achieve its goal, the Trump administration spared no effort to confuse the public, releasing "smoke screens" of ongoing negotiations, all of which have been quickly exposed by China.

Even now, China cannot think of any reason to "kowtow" to America.

[Alstom was acquired and dismembered; the French government did nothing]

Frankly speaking, America has long been a beneficiary of economic globalization, reaping numerous benefits from free trade. Now, by using tariffs and domestic markets as leverage, it extorts the international community. Such actions will push America to the opposite side of the international economic order.

It should be noted that Trump's tariff stick still has some deterrent power. However, in his plan, China has become the greatest variable.

As mentioned before, if China hadn't responded promptly, Trump might not have reduced tariffs on other countries so soon.

China's firm response serves as a significant indicator for the international community and significantly diminishes the effectiveness of America's tariff leverage.

In short, as long as China doesn't submit, other countries don't need to compromise either. They can simply wait until the outcome of the Sino-American tariff war or until America can no longer sustain the pressure.

[Trump still expects China to make so-called "substantial concessions"]

America also realizes that the situation is slipping out of control.

In the short term, America cannot find alternatives to China's supply chain, nor can it rebuild domestic manufacturing overnight. At present, it is Trump who most wants to reach an agreement.

After several weeks of the tariff war, the White House began vaguely admitting that it had misjudged China's possible reactions. The complex economic relationship between China and America means that America, as a deficit country, does not naturally hold the upper hand in this tariff war.

If America continues to harbor such thoughts and waits unilaterally for China to come to terms, it would be a grave mistake. China has prepared thoroughly for this tariff war, vowing to go all the way, and will certainly keep its word.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498644570658619939/

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