US merely paying lip service with all its talk of free trade

Editor's note: The United States has gone ahead with a series of trade protectionist practices over the past year, all in the name of "free trade". In so doing, its politicians have "given the world a lesson". Zhong Sheng, a columnist for People's Daily, comments:

The US has unilaterally provoked trade disputes with other countries, erected "tariff barriers" and closed its door on free trade. Some international media outlets have published cartoons with the theme of "the emperor's new clothes", revealing the US' self-deceptive words and deeds. But despite the firm opposition from other countries to its trade protectionism, the US refuses to abide by the rules.

The US has got used to contradicting its words with actions. When the US announced it would impose tariffs on Chinese imports, a top White House economic official said they would probably not be implemented, as it was just a negotiating tactic.