Unwise US policy

It makes little sense for a country to restrict its own exports while claiming to be serious about cutting its trade deficit.

If the United States insists that its increased restriction on high-tech exports to China "strikes the right balance in our complex relations with China", Chinese policymakers may have reason to doubt US motives for pressing for revaluation of the Chinese currency.

The US Commerce Department recently listed 20 separate product groups that will require export licenses. The items include high-powered computers and certain lasers.