However, some people have repeatedly warned of precautions against China at US Congressional hearings and have called for a scrutiny of Chinese investments. Washington is using its massive comprehensive strength to recklessly define the behavior of and relations with other countries. In fact, it is the US that has recently become the biggest saboteur of international rules and challenger of free trade. Washington’s attempts to adjust international trade in favor of US interests have triggered complaints everywhere.

It’s hegemonic for the US to accuse any country of economical aggression since no country is able to do so. Because the US dollar remains in an unchallengeable position, the US can pressure trade surplus countries to buy US treasury bonds and often punish trading partners with its domestic laws.

At the top of the interest chain in globalization, Washington shouts out loud whenever its trading partners benefit from their trade. However, free trade is a rule of international economic cooperation and allows no substantial modification by the US administration. Calling normal trade “economic aggression” would provoke a “trade revolution” that will go beyond the tolerance of world trade, including the US.

Problems in China-US trade need to be addressed through negotiations and consultations. It’s unrealistic for Washington to try to pressure Beijing into making huge concessions. If the US misuses its advantage in interactions with China, it will invite countermeasures from China.

The US shouldn’t try to extort China with public opinion and non-trade means. If the Trump government provokes insensible trade frictions with China for political gain, it will probably backfire. As no US administration has launched large-scale trade warfare with China so far, Trump should refrain from being the pioneer. A trade war with China will negate Trump’s economic accomplishments.
Newspaper headline: Starting trade war with China will backfire