美国贸易代表：美国不能接受中国万亿美元的贸易顺差3

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the growing trade surplus of China, which reached nearly $1 trillion last year, and the implications this has for U.S.-China relations, highlighting the U.S. concerns over China's manufacturing dominance and its impact on American industries [3][12][15]. Trade Surplus - Trade surplus is defined as a situation where a country's exports exceed its imports, with China achieving a trade surplus close to $1 trillion last year [3]. - China's ability to export such a large volume of goods is attributed to its scale of manufacturing and cost control, which has made its products attractive to global buyers [3][12]. U.S. Perspective - The U.S. perceives China's reliance on manufacturing as a deviation from previous development paths, leading to concerns about global demand insufficiency rather than overcapacity [4][12]. - The decline of U.S. industrial power post-World War II has contributed to wealth disparity and dissatisfaction among American blue-collar workers, who feel marginalized by globalization [4][5][10]. Economic and Security Concerns - The U.S. is motivated by economic and security concerns, recognizing that industrial capacity is closely linked to military manufacturing capabilities [6][12]. - Events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have heightened U.S. awareness of the risks associated with over-reliance on foreign supply chains [6][12]. Comparative Advantage Theory - The article references the comparative advantage theory, suggesting that while countries should specialize in their strengths, China's broad manufacturing capabilities have led to a convergence of advantages, creating competitive pressures on developed nations [8][9]. - The fear is that if China excels in high-end manufacturing, particularly in semiconductors, it could undermine the remaining industrial advantages of developed countries like the U.S. [9][12]. Globalization and Competition - The article posits that as comparative advantage theories fail, globalization may devolve into a zero-sum game, leading to intensified competition and trade friction [13][14]. - China's significant trade surplus is viewed as a threat to the industrial bases of developed countries, prompting fears of a strategic shift in global manufacturing [14][15]. Future Implications - As tensions rise, China is encouraged to expand its domestic market and reduce reliance on Western economies, while seeking new emerging markets [15][16]. - The article concludes that the competition between the U.S. and China is a natural response to the evolving global economic landscape, where both nations must adapt to new realities [16].