While on the surface, the US has reduced imports from China, it continues to depend on it indirectly. China is a key supplier of electronic components to countries such as Vietnam and Mexico which export to the US, it dominates the production of rare earths and is part of the world’s largest free-trade bloc.
The onus is on companies to exercise better due diligence, focusing on high-risk areas, avoiding shady recruiters, improving supply chain visibility and using tech to monitor and authenticate.
In a study of drivers in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, surge pricing benefited cherry-picking part-time gig drivers who were motivated to work more – but discouraged full-timers and hurt their earnings.
The two biggest economies have a responsibility to lead the world in combating climate change. They could start by learning from water management in Israel, flood control in the Netherlands, and vertical farming in the UAE.
Biden promised to review the trade war with China at the start of his presidency, but 18 months on and with inflation surging, he has yet to make a decision. Some in Biden’s camp want China to commit to buying more US goods before lifting the tariffs but, in the meantime, they are hurting American consumers.
Four years on, the trade war is still costing US consumers and companies, and forcing supply chain workarounds that make trade more complex and vulnerable. Worst of all, it has cost up to 245,000 American jobs and fuelled US inflation. Biden needs to realise there are no winners.
The programme during which host Margaret Brennan repeatedly interrupted Chinese ambassador Qin Gang sparked debate and highlighted cultural differences. To survive and succeed in the West, Asians must be aware of the value systems there and adopt smart strategies in the face of chronic interruptions.
Instead of moving elsewhere in the Greater Bay Area or leaving China, entrepreneurial youth should consider starting an innovative business in Hong Kong by raising funds from the public.
There are at least 19 Asian origin groups in the US, but they are all lumped together and inaccurately perceived as the ‘model minority’, despite huge disparities. Two new initiatives aim to collect data on anti-Asian hate, and let the numbers do the talking.
Clear thinkers in China know no one wins with a bitter divorce from the US. To chart a mutually beneficial path, Beijing could seek healthy competition with the US, expand operations of Chinese brands in America, and aim to be more transparent.