CCTV editorial going viral shows China’s confidence in trade battle

Note: The following article is taken from a Chinese-language commentary on CCTV.com.

A video clip of an editorial broadcast on Monday night’s CCTV prime-time news program has gone viral in China, with netizens showing their support for its strong backing of China’s government in response to American pressure in the trade war.

A screen shot showing that the CCTV editorial is the most frequently searched topic on Weibo in May. [Photo: China Plus]

In the report, CCTV News host Kang Hui said, “China has clearly declared its attitude on the trade war waged by the United States, which is that it doesn't like the war, but it’s not afraid to fight, and will fight if it’s necessary. When necessary, China will actively face it. In front of the stick and carrot policy of the United States, China has given its answer: If the United States chooses negotiation, we will also open our door; if not, we will fight against them to the finish. The Chinese nation has ebbed and flowed for over 5,000 years, what hardships haven’t we experienced? In the process of fulfilling national rejuvenation, we will definitely meet difficulties and obstacles. The trade war waged by the United States is just a bump on China’s road to development. It is nothing big. China is confident that it can handle this crisis and turn it into an opportunity.

A screen shot showing that many Chinese media agencies have reprinted the CCTV editorial. [Photo: China Plus]

“No matter how the external environment changes, the most important thing for China is to do its own work well. We will keep on pushing ahead with reform and opening up, and realize high-quality economic development. We are fully prepared for the next American move, no matter whether it is negotiation, a trade war, or other measures. As China’s President Xi Jinping once put it, that China’s economy is more like a big sea than a small pond. Storms can wreak havoc in a pond, but no matter how severe a storm is, it can do little damage in a big sea.”

In the face of American pressure, China has said that it will not compromise on issues concerning its core interests and principles, and that it is always open to negotiation and dialogue.

The United States has manipulated public opinion for a long time. The Monday night show declared China’s stance to the world, including the United States government and the American public, making it clear that they should discard any illusions that China would compromise on matters of principle. That this message went viral shows that the Chinese people have united in the face of American trade hegemony, and this unity gives China confidence and persistence.

A screen shot showing some comments from Chinese netizens on the CCTV editorial. [Photo: China Plus]

Stock prices in the United States plummeted right after the editorial was broadcast. They recovered some of the losses the next day, but the market will remain volatile due to high levels of uncertainty.

A recent report by Goldman Sachs showed that the cost of the additional tariffs introduced since last year by the United States on imports from China has totally shifted onto the shoulders of American enterprises and families. And their impact on consumer prices has been greater than anticipated. This proves that the trade war isn’t just bad for China; it’s also bad for the United States and the world at large. Negotiation is the only option and cooperation the only way out.

The trade talks between China and the United States have been underway for 11 rounds since last year. The constant back-and-forth shows that it is not easy to reach an agreement with the United States. China must be prepared, and not underestimate the ability of the United States to create new difficulties. But the trade conflict will only be a small obstacle for China as it reaches for national rejuvenation.

A screen shot showing some comments from Chinese netizens on the CCTV editorial. [Photo: China Plus]

One of the goals of the United States is to force companies to move their production chains out of China to other countries. In response, China’s government needs to further improve its commercial environment and expand its domestic market so that it can remain appealing to global enterprises.

China is home to the largest number of engineers and hard-working people. Some production lines might move away, but what will remain is the unstoppable competitive power of the Chinese people. China is irreplaceable, and that its technological innovation will continue to steadily improve even in the face of the American tariffs. This is the best response to American bulling.