The recent decision by the United States government to unilaterally impose so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on all trading partners, including China and Sri Lanka, has drawn sharp criticism from across the international community. The move, made in defiance of widespread opposition, has triggered confusion and volatility on a global scale, prompting fears of economic instability and a possible global recession. The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, in a powerful article, accuses the US of weaponizing tariffs not as instruments of economic adjustment, but as blunt tools of coercion aimed at protecting narrow self-interests.
The ambassador asserts that these actions by Washington contradict the foundational principles of global trade, undermine multilateralism, and violate the legitimate rights of other nations. By unilaterally disrupting trade flows, the US not only harms its partners but also causes damage to its own economy. The US stock market is plummeting, Treasury bonds are being offloaded, and inflation continues to rise. The cost of living has escalated for ordinary Americans, and dissenting voices within the United States itself are becoming more vocal about the adverse consequences of these policies.
Pointing to historical patterns, the ambassador notes that the United States and its Western allies have long dominated global trade since World War II. Countries like China and Sri Lanka, despite being part of the global South, have had to work incredibly hard to generate modest foreign exchange earnings by exporting high-quality, low-cost goods to developed nations. Meanwhile, developed countries like the US have continued to benefit disproportionately, amassing profits through high-end services and technological exports. Many of the goods exported from developing nations, ironically, are products of Western-owned companies, further highlighting the imbalance in global trade dynamics.
The ambassador further criticizes the United States for using its dominant position in global services to intimidate weaker countries. He accuses the US of using tariffs as a geopolitical weapon to force countries into reshoring their manufacturing bases, often at the expense of global economic cooperation. This strategy, he argues, harms the development rights of other nations, especially those in the global South, and threatens the fundamental tenets of globalization. The ambassador warns that such short-sighted policies are bound to fail, as they violate not only economic logic but also international norms of fairness and cooperation.
The article advocates for openness, dialogue, and cooperation as the only viable paths forward. It underscores the need for a free, fair, and inclusive multilateral trading system, particularly for countries like Sri Lanka that rely on stable international economic conditions. The ambassador emphasizes that in a world of growing uncertainty, nations must prioritize solidarity over confrontation. He reflects on the historical evolution of globalization, noting how despite periodic disruptions caused by wars and depressions, humanity has always managed to break down barriers through collective efforts.
In a message aimed directly at major powers, the ambassador argues that with great economic strength comes greater responsibility. He urges global leaders to resist the temptation of bullying weaker nations and instead commit to shared growth and multilateralism. China, he affirms, will continue to lead by example—supporting open trade, fostering development partnerships, and advancing inclusive globalization. He points out that since 2017, China has significantly eased foreign investment restrictions and expanded its market access. In 2024 alone, 59,000 foreign-invested firms were established in China—a 9.9% increase compared to the previous year. China’s foreign trade volume exceeded RMB 10.3 trillion in the first quarter of the year, with exports alone surpassing RMB 6 trillion.
Concluding the message with a focus on bilateral ties, the ambassador reiterates that China and Sri Lanka are “good friends, good brothers, and good partners.” Their relationship, grounded in mutual respect and cooperation, stands as a model of South-South partnership. He stresses that under the current global climate, China remains committed to defending multilateralism, opposing economic bullying, and promoting global fairness. With full support for the shared vision endorsed by President Xi Jinping and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, China pledges to bring new opportunities to Sri Lanka and work toward building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future—delivering meaningful benefits to the people of both nations and the broader region.
SOURCE :- SRI LANKA GUARDIAN
