Hard on the outside, a little softer inside – Diepresse.com

Seoul. However, while the Chinese party leadership emphasizes that they want to fight « to the end » in the customs dispute with the United States, however, it has given the economic arch enemy quietly and secretly: US products from the healthcare system have apparently been excluded from the 125 percent import tariffs, as well as some goods from the aviation and chemistry. The US Chamber of Commerce in Beijing confirmed this on Friday.

However, “Caijing” first reported this spectacular paradigm shift. The renowned Chinese financial magazine, which was able to preserve a certain independence within the state-controlled media due to its well-networked editor within the state-controlled media, wrote about entrepreneurs in the southern province of Guangdong, according to which some US computer chips were excluded from the tariffs.

Why the secrecy?

It is particularly interesting that the « Caijing » article remained online for a short time. After a few hours, the censors started. The state authorities have not yet commented on the delicate matter. Spokesman Guo Jiakun only alternately replied at the Foreign Ministry of Press conference in the Foreign Ministry: « I am not familiar with the situation you have described. I suggest that you inquire with the Chinese supervisory authorities. » In any case, a Dementi looks different.

But why does China operate such a secrecy? For the markets, the news about a supposed accommodation in the trade dispute is finally a reason to be happy. After all, it proves that the fronts are not as stuck as it is generally assumed.

But the Chinese public is obviously « not amused ». « Did we surrender? » Asked a stunned user in the comment column of the « Caijing » article before it was deleted. Another said: « Looks as if someone really wants to do business with the Americans. » And another reader commented: « In history there has never been a lack of traitors. »

« Fight until the end »

In a way, the unofficial loosening actually get a betrayal. For weeks, the party leadership has been swearing their own people to « fight against the United States to the end ». Of course, the door for dialogue was open at any time, for example, foreign office spokesman Guo Jiakun always repeats. But: « Dialogue and negotiations must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. »

The demonstrative patriotism is pretty well received by most Chinese. They finally see the US government as a « bully » that wants to contain the rise of the People’s Republic. Donald Trump also gave the hardliners right with his customs policy in all points. In short: large parts of the population now support the duel against the United States, even if the economic strength of strength now leads to sensitive wealth loss.

Talk to the USA and China?

But Beijings’s flexible attitude in the conflict with the United States is by no means new. « China already used such liberal customs exemptions in the last trade war so as not to upset the domestic audience, but at the same time to alleviate the negative economic effects, » commented China expert Martin Chorzempa from the Peterson Institute Washington.

However, the current customs residues could only be a short -term accommodation. In any case, the KP Politburo called again on Friday to plan sufficient for the « worst case » in the trade dispute.

So far, the two sides do not even seem to be able to agree on the basic facts. While Trump repeatedly stated in front of reporters that they were in daily negotiations with the Chinese, the central government in Beijing is vehemently denied this. Foreign Office spokesman Guo: « There have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the United States about the customs question. Therefore, the United States should not confuse the public. »