Xie Feng‚ Chinas ambassador to US made a well-timed statement about potential trade-war consequences using big-name american brands as examples. The warning comes as Trump considers putting a 60% import tax on Chinese goods
Tariff war‚ trade war‚ tech war or industrial war would produce no winner. Protectionism only locks one in backwardness and costs them the future
The diplomat highlighted how US companies are doing well in China:
- McDonalds opened 60% of its new stores in China last year
- Starbucks runs over 1‚000 shops just in Shanghai
- Many other US brands have strong presence in the market
Beijing announced a super-sized 1.1 trillion pound support package for its local governments (which shows their economic muscle). The timing of this announcement – right before Trumps possible return to power – isnt random
The whole situation has a funny twist because Trump has a special connection with McDonalds. About 5 years ago he ordered Big Macs for a White House dinner‚ and recently he made news by serving fries at their store during his campaign against Kamala Harris
Economic experts say both countries would lose in a trade war – US economy might shrink by 4% and Chinas by 2% in next 5 years. History shows that famous brands often become targets in trade fights; just like when US and EU had disputes they targeted things like scotch whisky and Harley-Davidson bikes