Audiences debate the insufficient comprehension of Chinese ambitions in Western countries, explore potential repercussions of Trump’s trade war, and examine Hong Kong’s currency linkage with the U.S. dollar.
The
article
The article by Chenfei Zhu resonated deeply with me (“I’m a Cannes-bound Chinese entertainment producer. It’s enjoyable—until it isn’t”, April 19).
Over a span of 12 years starting in 1995, my Chinese spouse and I served as consultants for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in Britain. Our primary task involved expanding the reach of their examinations into Mainland China. During this time, we participated in numerous gatherings where the CEO from Britain met with an array of individuals in China—from government representatives and entrepreneurs to musical professionals.
My spouse served as the translator for all the meetings. Having resided in Hong Kong since 1970, I, as a Western individual, was ready for what unfolded.
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The Westerner approached the discussion like the proverbial bull in a china shop, and would have smashed all the contents at one go, had my wife not also been fully prepared for the basic lack of understanding between the two sides. She had to begin each interpretation by painting the background, and then putting what was said in terms which the other side could comprehend. This was true both ways, and with my limited grasp of Cantonese, I was able to see how clever she was in angling discussions so that relations were not immediately broken off.
It’s unfortunate that very few Western individuals truly grasp Chinese thought processes, emotions, or ambitions. In contemporary diplomatic circles, it appears unlikely for either side to engage in meaningful collaborative efforts.
I believe part of the solution involves both parties having excellent advisors and heeding their advice. For U.S. President Donald Trump, achieving this seems improbable, whereas China could potentially take greater advantage of such counsel, thereby helping to prevent further foolishness in global matters.
David Gwilt, Sai Kung
Against China, US is waging a trade war it can’t win
US President Donald Trump’s renewed push for tariffs on China in his second term signals a return to his combative trade strategy – but this time, the United States may be fighting a losing battle. The geopolitical and economic landscape has dramatically shifted, and China is better prepared than ever.
Since the 2018 trade war, China has diversified its export markets through efforts like the Belt and Road Initiative, reducing reliance on the US. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is now China’s top trading partner, followed by the European Union.
Beijing’s response
to Trump’s threats has been calm and strategic. Despite Trump’s apparent eagerness to
negotiate
, Chinese officials have remained firm, demanding
mutual respect
before talks resume.
Cultural differences also fuel China’s resilience. Rooted in collectivism, the Chinese public perceives the trade war as a threat to
national pride
and identity. Years of rising tensions – Covid-19 accusations, economic pressure and diplomatic slights – have galvanised public support for President Xi Jinping’s tough stance, while Trump faces opposition at home.
Crucially, the US stands increasingly isolated. Unlike in 2018, Trump’s latest tariffs lack the backing of its allies. He’s
alienated Canada
by mocking its leaders and imposing new tariffs, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to declare the US “no longer a reliable partner”. EU leaders have condemned the US measures, with
retaliatory tariffs
already in motion.
Meanwhile, China has seized the diplomatic moment. It is deepening economic ties with the
European Union
– participating in advanced discussions about electric vehicles and
inviting
European leaders heading to Beijing. Meanwhile, China is strengthening ties across Asia and becoming more engaged.
trilateral meetings
with Japan and South Korea, and boosting ties with Southeast Asian nations like
Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia
Even Greenland, which remains resentful about Trump’s remarks, is now looking toward China for trade opportunities.
At home, Trump faces insufficient backing from both businesses and the general populace. According to a recent YouGov poll, 52 percent of Americans disapprove of his tariff policies. Additionally, an executive survey reveals that 81 percent anticipate increased expenses due to these measures. Smaller enterprises are particularly hard hit, prompting numerous groups to contest the tariffs through legal means. Prominent economists have issued warnings about an impending economic downturn, which has been echoed by key players such as BlackRock.
If he doesn’t change direction, Trump’s trade war could lead to economic instability, diplomatic exclusion, and political repercussions. As Jeremy Siegel, an emeritus professor of finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, stated, such tariffs might constitute “the most significant policy error in nine decades.”
Quang Phan Thanh, Bangkok, Thailand
Is it time to reassess Hong Kong’s US dollar peg?
I refer to
the article
,” Trump’s dispute with the Federal Reserve triggers a downturn on Wall Street, a dip in the value of the dollar, and gold reaching an all-time peak” (April 21).
Perhaps it might be wiser to invest in gold rather than holding US dollars should United States President Donald Trump remove the Federal Reserve chairman from their position. Regardless of this scenario, the value of gold is likely to increase. In either case—whether interest rates decrease or there’s a conflict between the presidential office and the head of the Federal Reserve—gold stands as the sole beneficiary.
Is it perhaps time for the Hong Kong government to seriously rethink the long-term peg of the Hong Kong dollar to the US dollar and instead adopt a currency basket system?
Rishi Teckchandani, Mid-Levels
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