China shows maturity in trade talks with US
The China-US trade negotiations concluded in Beijing on Friday. The two sides agreed that sound and stable China-US trade relationship is crucial for both, and they are committed to resolving economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation.
Both sides exchanged views on expanding US exports to China, trade in services, IPR protection, resolving tariffs and other issues, and reached a consensus in a few sectors.
They also admitted that major disputes remain in some fields and require further effort, and will keep close contact and establish a mechanism to deal with the issues. The two sides fell short of achieving an agreement to end the trade conflict, but are willing to continue talks. Between negotiations and a trade war, the situation has started to change toward the former.
The past two months have witnessed an unprecedentedly turbulent period in Sino-US trade relations. China stood firm and won leverage to safeguard the national interest.
The results have been distinctly different from the initial unreasonable demands of the US. It voluntarily sent a delegation to Beijing, including all its major trade officials, in contrast with its 301 investigation and tariff threats on $100 billion worth of Chinese products.
Sources said Chinese delegates responded strongly to US demands in the past two days, standing firm on the moral high ground to safeguard free trade and a multilateral trade mechanism. China will never trade its core interests.
This round of trade disputes has been widely referred to as a “trade war,” with the US attacking China. However, China has displayed strong will and tenacity beyond the imagination of the US and the world. Beijing has broken Washington’s psychological advantage. An equal standing at negotiations has emerged.
Beijing demonstrated its ability to navigate through complexities as China grows into a world power, while Chinese society has united in the face of the challenge.
It is unlikely that all problems between China and the US would be resolved by one dialogue. The world’s two major countries will either hurt each other and the world through conflicts or benefit the world through cooperation. Neither China nor the US will intimidate the other. Therefore, seeking common ground will be more useful to break the deadlock. The game of “who blinks first” is no longer relevant.
It is also a fight for China to safeguard fair trade and a multilateral trade mechanism, which is the righteous thing to do in a globalized world. The interests China is fighting for transcends national borders. China is a nation of diligent work and honest trade, and we have a clear conscience. Regardless of the way the trade war will end, diligence and honesty will never lose.