Comments on: Protectionism and War

By: John

John — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:56:10 +0000

Thanks for the post and I want to comment on two related issues. First, having worked in the security community I too agree that many see China as the ultimate evil. I often think this is based on the state-centric need of having to have a rising enemy to be against, which is remarkable to me even when we are being dished so much rhetoric on the Global War on Terror. The second issue, related to the first, is that I often believe US government officials believe war is inevitable because they simply do not understand China’s history and culture. They jump to conclusions based on ignorance and it is also convenient to have an external force to blame on outsourcing of jobs, foreign debt ownership, etc. Yes, some are legitimate concerns but others are simply either our own fault or the product of globalization and we therefore cannot stop and must learn to deal with. If officials continue to subjectively believe China is a threat, it will become a self-fulfilled proficiency. I am not claiming China is never to blame but we lack the knowledge and expertise to make truly objective assessments.

By: China Hearsay: China law, business, and economics commentary

China Hearsay: China law, business, and economics commentary — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 06:35:41 +0000

[...] Ben Landy’s take on the trade dispute over glossy paper is worth a read. His point is that the effects of protectionism range far beyond direct economic inefficiencies. In this case, the U.S.-China relationship itself will take a hit, and in Ben’s mind, trade disputes are potentially quite dangerous: The greatest threat for the 21st century is that these economic flare-ups between the US and China will not be contained, but might spill over into the realm of military aggression between these two world powers. [...]

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 17:09:38 +0000

I think there has always been a dangerous dance with China just like we do dangerous dances with other countries. It is because of the two wars and the fact that there is this underlying fear of communism, that protectionism is on the rise. I believe it never really left the average person…protectionism that is. The stock market, corp. and politicians may have felt free to do trade with certain countries but the average American does not feel that way.
Besides when you read the different Chinese online news outlets, none of them appear to enjoy their relationship with us. Rather they go on and on about Russia and the EU. It is a perception from both sides- here and there.