China is not afraid of a trade war with the US

China does not want a trade war, nor will it take the lead to initiate one, Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan said on Sunday. While that might seem soft-toned, it should not be mistaken for weakness, for as he asserted, China is capable of coping with any challenges.

The escalation of the trade disputes between the world's top two economic powers is set to disrupt normal global trade order and could result in a trade war if the United States continues with its irresponsible trade policies, since it would leave China with no choice but to retaliate.

The US' lop-sided economic structure is actually behind its current pile-up of trade deficits. While it excels in highly profitable high-tech and financial industries, its manufacturing is less competitive.