Washington intent on proving the immoral have no friends

THE US ADMINISTRATION has always blamed other countries for violating the spirit of contract in international affairs. But it has repeatedly resorted to extreme pressure to try and extort unfair gains from China and it is the one that has gone back on its

The US administration has released many reports criticizing China for breaking rules of the World Trade Organization, and citing this an excuse to take unilateral measures against China.

But in a white paper it released on China and the WTO in June last year, Beijing provided irrefutable facts proving that the country has fulfilled the commitments it made on its accession to the WTO.

It is the US government that shows no qualms about enforcing its domestic decrees above WTO rules, which are comparable to contracts reached by all relevant parties, including the US. Indeed, Washington has taken the initiative to pick a fight with many other countries, willfully damaging the multilateral trade system.

Although the US is a member of the WTO, the US administration has openly said that the United States is exempt from the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, and it has even threatened to withdraw from the WTO. Where is the spirit of contract it pressures others to respect?

The US has withdrawn from the Paris agreement on climate change, which more than 190

countries have signed; the US has withdrawn from the Iran nuclear pact, which the United Nations Security Council has approved; the US has also left the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The international community has clearly seen the true colors of the US as the largest destroyer of international agreements and violator of international laws and rules.

The spirit of contract is the foundation of the market economy, as well as an important buttress for today’s international order. The US’ selfish and irresponsible moves harm the interests of the whole world.

It is ridiculous that some US politicians are willing to unashamedly tell lies, cheat and steal, and uphold these as the glories of America being first among others.

The US is dedicated to drawing water to its own mill, and discards the spirit of contract. It is only a matter of time before it experiences the truth of the Chinese proverb that says “The immoral have no friends”.