Hot Spots

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Hot Spots

10/02/2018

China's Side

The following represents China’s position on the US-China trade relationship, via Communist Party mouthpieces Xinhua and Global Times.

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China recently published a white paper to clarify the facts about China-US economic and trade relations, demonstrate its stance on trade friction with the United States, and pursue reasonable solutions.

Excluding the foreword, the 36,000-Chinese-character white paper is comprised of six parts, which are mutually-beneficial and win-win for China-US cooperation in the trade and economic field, clarification of the facts about China-US trade and economic field, clarification of the facts about China-US trade and economic relations, the trade protectionist practices of the US administration, the trade bullyism practices of the US administration, damage of the improper practices of the US administration to global economy, and China’s position.

China is the world’s biggest developing country and the United States is the biggest developed country, said the white paper.  “Trade and economic relations between China and the United States are of great significance for the two countries as well as for the stability and development of the world economy.”

The white paper said the two countries are at different stages of development and have different economic systems, and therefore some level of trade friction is only natural.  “The key, however, lies in how to enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and manage differences.”

In the spirit of equality, rationality, and moving to meet each other halfway, the two countries have set up a number of communication and coordination mechanisms such as the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and the Comprehensive Economic Dialogues, the white paper said.

Each has made tremendous efforts over the past 40 years to overcome all kinds of obstacles and move economic and trade relations forward, which has served as the ballast and propeller of the overall bilateral relationship, according to the white paper.

However, the new administration of the US government has trumpeted “America First” since taking office in 2017, and has abandoned the fundamental norms of mutual respect and equal consultation that guide international relations, said the white paper.

“Rather, it has brazenly preached unilateralism, protectionism and economic hegemony, making false accusations against many countries and regions, particularly China, intimidating other countries through economic measures such as imposing tariffs, and attempting to impose its own interests on China through extreme pressure,” according to the white paper.

The white paper stressed China has responded from the perspective of the common interests of both parties as well as the world trade order, observing the principle of resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, and answering the US concerns with the greatest level of patience and good faith.

The Chinese side has been dealing with these differences with an attitude of seeking common ground while shelving divergence, the white paper said.  “It has overcome many difficulties and made enormous efforts to stabilize China-US economic and trade relations by holding rounds of discussions with the US side and proposing practical solutions.”

However, the US side has been contradicting itself and constantly challenging China, the white paper said.

“As a result, trade and economic friction between the two sides has escalated quickly over a short period of time, causing serious damage to the economic and trade relations which have developed over the years through the collective work of the two governments and the two peoples, and posing a grave threat to the multilateral trading system and the principle of free trade.”

The Chinese government published the white paper to clarify the facts about China-US economic and trade relations, demonstrate China’s stance on trade friction with the United States, and pursue reasonable solutions.

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Brian Trumbore

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