I was on a video call with some folks from the US. For years, the global trade deal is not perfect but it works. Countries focus on what they are good at, supply chains hum along, and consumers get affordable stuff. Then came President Trump, who decided to rewrite the rules of the game.
Half-jokingly, I told one of them to visit China with their Vice President, Vance to check out the so-called “peasants.” I have met Americans who actually think the world ends at their coastline. The truth is, many still picture China as a land of rice paddies and bicycles. Today’s “peasant” might be managing a supply chain powered by AI or producing tech that runs your smartphone.
When the conversation turned to human rights in China, I reminded them that there is not a single country in the world with a perfect score on human rights. Not the US, not Europe, not anywhere. Well, it is a complex and uncomfortable truth.
So the factory jobs are coming back to America? Great but this will likely take years, Homer. I wonder how many people will be lining up for 10-hour shifts assembling widgets, higher wages, or at least a decent espresso machine.
At a National Republican dinner, Trump proudly told the crowd that foreign leaders were “kissing my ass” and “dying to make a deal.” When centuries of geopolitics are boiled down to one man’s ego trip, we are reminded that real leadership is not loud, it is learned.
If Trump or anyone else wants to engage China effectively, they will need to begin with understanding and respect especially when dealing with a civilization that has been around for 5,000 years and counting. Enough of the rants for today minus the full market action.