Protectionism self-harming

Washington's recent blocking of a Chinese enterprise's bid to acquire a US semiconductor manufacturer has further aggravated concerns over the protectionism adopted by the United States.

According to a statement issued by the US Treasury Department, the acquisition of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, a publicly-traded Oregon company, by Chinese-owned Canyon Bridge Fund could endanger the US government's use of the products the company produces.

The Trump administration has adopted an aggressive stance toward China on trade and national security matters and launched wide-ranging investigations into the national security ramifications of China's trade in aluminum and steel. However, any blocking of normal investment activities from other countries, including China, due to trumped up security concerns, is unhelpful not only to the US' economic development but also the global economic recovery. It also contradicts the mutually beneficial nature of Sino-US ties.