US blame game cannot cover up its wantonness

Editor's note: The United States recently blamed China for the lack of progress in the 11th round of the Sino-US trade talks, accusing China of "backsliding" from and "breaching" the commitments it had made. By using such words while wielding the tariff stick, Washington is in essence attempting to confuse the global public. Zhong Sheng, a columnist for People's Daily, comments:

Consultations are a two-way process for exchanging views with the aim of narrowing differences and seeking consensus, so it is normal for two parties to have different views, and make changes to previous stances before a formal agreement is reached. Since the consultations between the two countries on economic and trade issues had not yet been concluded and no agreement had been signed, how could China breach any commitments?

Respecting negotiating partners is the rule of international negotiations. It is rude for the US to censure China in an arrogant manner any time China raises its concerns. The US tactic is essentially aimed at finding excuses to exert pressure on China.