US cannot use China as a punch bag for trade blows

It has been said that all the vices offer at least some kind of pleasure, except for one, and Washington seems intent on proving that the only exception is envy, which causes nothing but irritation, bitterness and rage.

Although the US says it is not willfulness but necessity that is compelling its actions targeting Chinese imports, it seems to be Washington's fixation on the trade deficit between the two countries, as a barometer of their economic competition, that has prompted such emotions.

Having already announced steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which, given the exemptions, will likely fall heavily on those from China, US President Donald Trump is now reportedly planning to impose tariffs targeting imports of Chinese information technology, telecommunication and consumer products.