The Trade Dispute: Employing Strategy or Playing Games?

China and the US have held more than a dozen rounds of consultations on their simmering trade dispute. So far，resolution has eluded the two sides. There have been areas of agreement and even more points of difference. Amid the twists and turns of this prolonged dispute，there have  been soaring hopes followed by crashing disappointments.

What is lacking is an effective strategy. What we have seen so far is a lot of short-term point- scoring. This is more playing games than solving problems.

Applying strategy requires wisdom; negotiations represent wisdom. One must be wise enough to see the value of discussion. Examining differing points of view and making effective use of communication require wisdom. And wisdom is needed to move discussions in a positive direction.

Sincerity is also essential. The parties involved in any dispute need to try to understand each other and achieve their goals through communication. However，communication must be based on sincerity and decency. The goal should not be inflicting pain on the other side. Strongarm tactics，head bashing，and “containment” of the other party should be avoided at all cost. Only if you do not intend harm to the other party can you establish a foundation of trust. And only then are frank discussions worthwhile.

A sovereign state，big or small，rich or poor，is part of the global community. Equality is the foundation of relations a