Trump's high-tech game will hurt US too

On Monday, the US Department of Commerce imposed a seven-year ban on ZTE Corp's purchase of crucial US technologies, components and parts, and commodities, including chips, for its alleged violation of the terms of a sanctions settlement.

The move further intensified the already fierce trade frictions between the world's two largest economies. Given that the US ban will last until March 13, 2025, the full extent of the Made in China 2025 plan, many believe the United States' real intention is to throttle the development of China's high-tech sector.

There is no doubt the export ban on ZTE, the leading Chinese telecommunications equipment maker, is closely related to US President Donald Trump's trade protectionist moves. But this could also be a negotiating tactic for Trump, who many believe wants the Chinese government to make more concessions in order to strike a "balance" in bilateral trade relations.