International trade is an increasingly intense arena for geopolitical tensions. A recent example of this is the dispute between the United States and China over telecommunications equipment. The United States is considering providing more than $3 billion to American telecommunications companies to eliminate Chinese equipment from the country’s networks.
However, China has sharply criticized the United States for “politicizing” this trade issue. He Yadong, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, said at a regular press briefing that the United States’ claim that Chinese information and communications products pose security risks is completely unfounded.
It is clear that China firmly opposes the United States expanding the concept of national security, violating the principles of market economy and fair competition, and interfering with normal economic and trade cooperation between Chinese and American companies.
The passage of the National Defense Authorization Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, a defense policy bill that includes a $3 billion fund to eliminate telecommunications equipment supplied by Chinese companies, including Huawei and ZTE, from U.S. networks, is evidence of these growing tensions.
The bill will now need to be passed by the U.S. Senate and the U.S. President before it becomes law. China calls on the United States to respect facts and stop politicizing and weaponizing economic and trade issues. It is ready to take all necessary measures to firmly defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.
In addition, it has recently been reported that Chinese manufacturers have begun to limit exports of key parts used for drones. Although these reports have not been directly confirmed, China has always strictly controlled exports of dual-use items, including drones.
This situation illustrates the complexity of international trade relations and highlights the security and competition issues that countries must face. It is essential that nations work together to resolve these disputes in a balanced and constructive manner, within the rules of international trade.