Unwanted trade spats

Exchange of fire continues in bilateral trade as high-level economic talks are held between China and US officials yesterday in Hangzhou, one of the most beautiful cities in China.

From an optimistic perspective, this fact speaks volume about the increasing interconnection of the two economies that has apparently persuaded policymakers from both sides to believe that no single trade issue will be allowed to detract from their broader overall relationship.

Yet, such a common understanding does not justify any complacency over or ignorance of the danger of trade spats that will only add fuel to the fire of protectionism.