Page 21 - THE SOUTH CHINA BUSINESS JOURNAL
P. 21
the United States, COMMENT
the more fundamental
As for the tariffs, there is no doubt that they have
questions are: inflicted pain which - judged simply by itself - any
rational person would wish to have avoided. But
What would have that is not the issue. For the United States, the more
been the long-term fundamental questions are: what would have been
the long-term consequences of maintaining the
consequences of status quo in the U.S. commercial relationship with
maintaining the China? And will the current tough policies - tough
status quo in the on the U.S. as well as China - lead to any significant
U.S. commercial improvement?
relationship with
Mr. Waterman began his presentation, "I really
China? don't have the answers here. I don't think anyone
does." It is striking that so many seem acutely aware
that they do not have the answers or that they are
not confident of the ones they have. We could all
name dozens of issues where members of Congress
are lined up like opposing football teams, each set
in his or her own purpose, whether to take tackle or
score. But China is different. Yes, the questioning
is sharp, but the pronouncements are often hedged.
People know there is a problem, but they don't know
what the solution is.■
the more fundamental
As for the tariffs, there is no doubt that they have
questions are: inflicted pain which - judged simply by itself - any
rational person would wish to have avoided. But
What would have that is not the issue. For the United States, the more
been the long-term fundamental questions are: what would have been
the long-term consequences of maintaining the
consequences of status quo in the U.S. commercial relationship with
maintaining the China? And will the current tough policies - tough
status quo in the on the U.S. as well as China - lead to any significant
U.S. commercial improvement?
relationship with
Mr. Waterman began his presentation, "I really
China? don't have the answers here. I don't think anyone
does." It is striking that so many seem acutely aware
that they do not have the answers or that they are
not confident of the ones they have. We could all
name dozens of issues where members of Congress
are lined up like opposing football teams, each set
in his or her own purpose, whether to take tackle or
score. But China is different. Yes, the questioning
is sharp, but the pronouncements are often hedged.
People know there is a problem, but they don't know
what the solution is.■
