It has started
markwu  Updated: 2004-07-06 09:06

The US have slapped tariffs on furniture and textiles from China; if Chinese furniture manufacturers can make to sell at low prices because they get their raw materials from Indonesia and their worker rates are much lower than elsewhere, how can it be construed as unfair pricing?

One of the greatest dangers China and other nations must be aware of is the capacity of the Anglo-Saxon governments to (a) create rules of the game, and then (b) to change the rules of the game when it is to their own interest.

Japan suffered once (and in turn hit China with straw mats etc); so too did the Koreans & Europeans (steel) and Australians (meat). Other countries too. Only the British have sneaked through into the US market due to its special relationship with key US congressional lobbyists.

One can understand the need to protect strong vote-gathering groups in the US but if the US have set the rules to be fair two-way through consensual agreement based on WTO guidelines, how can the US change the rules now that (a) China is complying and opening its markets to the US and the rest of the world, (b) Chinese goods are helping prevent inflationary pressures in the US, which would have killed its own efforts to revive its economy?

Be also aware that the British are equally adept at changing rules. They can in one stroke change the rules of trading on their metal and other exchanges.

Moving the goalpost; changing pre-agreed rules midway; it's poker with sleight of hand, not fair trade.

Who would then blame anyone not to be too warm towards democratic capitalism?

Watch out for the next oil game. It can tilt the power equation quickly, especially if synchronised with military intervention to 'safeguard' oil transport lines and channels.

Be also aware of the currency traders acting on proxy. They can change the whole complexion of the international trade market.

Meanwhile Japan flexes its muscles to play the devil's game on the exploration and island-flagging fields.

It's started. Like a calm being ruffled by an impending storm.

Little pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. How many can see it? How many can do anything about it? Where did the moves emanate?

China must have its own think-tank to monitor such profligacies, expose the identities of the miscreants and their machinations, and bring to bear international indignation and collective response.

The above content represents the view of the author only.

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