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August 11, 2020

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Bullying will only hurt US credibility

Citing so-called national security concerns, Washington announced last Thursday an upcoming ban on dealings with the Chinese owners of popular apps TikTok and WeChat, while on the same day, it reimposed a 10-percent tariff on Canadian aluminum exports into the United States.

It has become increasingly clear that each time Washington abused the national security pretext to attack foreign industries or companies, it actually reveals the government’s indulgence in protectionism, hegemonism and bullyism, which is akin to “modern piracy,” as a German official has said.

Whenever it seeks to contain China’s increasing tech influence or defend the US industry from competition, the present US administration has cited national security concerns without concrete evidence, unscrupulously putting any competitor or challenger into the crosshairs for punishment like a fine, ban or sanction.

Brazen tricks

In most cases, the so-called US national security concerns are ordinary economic or trade disputes which can be reasonably solved through bilateral or multilateral negotiations. However, Washington is now obsessed with flexing its muscles, regardless of hurting partnerships or violating market principles and international norms.

The international community won’t be fooled by the pirate-like bullyism under the guise of national security. Even the US allies have protested against the brazen tricks.

The repeated use of national security by the United States to cover its “modern piracy” not only diminishes its credibility in the eyes of other countries, including its allies, but also hampers its own interests.

Decision-makers in Washington must realize that indulging in pirate-like bullyism will only distance the country from international norms and partners, deteriorate its business environment and keep away foreign investment. At long last, these trust-breaking actions are doomed to boomerang.

The author is a Xinhua writer.




 

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