By Pang Xinhua
In the global economic landscape, the China-U.S. economic and trade relationship has always been a focal point of attention. Recently, the news that China and the United States reached an economic and trade framework agreement in London has come as a relief to many.
However, while Chinese netizens are relieved, they have also expressed concerns about the sincerity of the United States. Such concerns are not baseless but are based on past instances of the United States' lack of integrity in economic and trade cooperation.
No matter how the external environment changes, we must make it clear that integrity is the cornerstone of the implementation of the China-U.S. economic and trade framework agreement. Only by adhering to integrity can we promote the healthy and stable development of the economic and trade relationship between the two countries and thereby contribute to the prosperity of the world economy.
The importance and complexity of China-U.S. economic and trade relations
The China-U.S. economic and trade relationship is one of the most important bilateral economic and trade relationships in the world. Its significance is not only reflected in the interdependence of the two countries' economies but also in its far-reaching impact on the global economic landscape. As the world's largest economy and the second-largest economy respectively, the combined economic output of the United States and China accounts for nearly 40 percent of the global economy. The breadth and depth of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation directly affect the stability of the global industrial and supply chains and influence the direction of international trade and investment.
The conclusion of the economic and trade framework agreement is an important opportunity for the two countries to ease trade frictions and promote economic recovery. For the world economy, it is a key factor in stabilizing market expectations and driving global economic growth. However, the complexity of the China-U.S. economic and trade relationship cannot be overlooked.
There are many differences between the two countries in terms of economic structure, development stage, and trade interests, and these differences have to some extent led to the emergence of trade frictions. But no matter how many differences there are, integrity is always the bond that sustains the economic and trade relationship. Only by adhering to the principle of integrity can the two sides find a balance point for cooperation in the complex economic and trade relationship and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
Integrity is the basis of human conduct: The value and significance of integrity
"Integrity is the basis of human conduct." This is a moral principle that the Chinese people have always regarded as a fundamental guideline since ancient times. Integrity is considered the foundation of being a person and one of the core values of traditional Chinese virtues. The ancients said, "One must be trustworthy in speech and resolute in action," emphasizing the quality of consistency between words and deeds and the importance of keeping promises. This concept of integrity is not only reflected in individual behavior but also has an extremely important value in international relations and economic and trade cooperation.
In the fields of international economics and trade, integrity is the foundation on which countries conduct their cooperation. It means that countries can honestly express their intentions when signing agreements and strictly adhere to their commitments when implementing them. Integrity can reduce transaction costs, enhance market confidence, and promote the smooth progress of trade and investment.
On the other hand, if there is a lack of integrity, economic and trade cooperation will fall into difficulties and may even lead to trade disputes and economic turmoil. More importantly, integrity is the basis for the functioning of the international economic and trade rules system. From the WTO to various bilateral agreements, the effectiveness of international economic and trade rules largely depends on the voluntary compliance of all parties. As the renowned economist Joseph Stiglitz pointed out, "The global trade system is essentially a system of trust, and when major players do not keep their word, the entire system is at risk of collapse."
The challenges faced by integrity in current China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation
In the current round of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, integrity is facing serious challenges. Some hawkish American politicians have overly politicized economic and trade issues, viewing China as a "strategic competitor" rather than a "partner," and have spared no effort to undermine China-U.S. relations. They ignore the facts, make unfounded accusations against China, and try to curb China's development by creating trade frictions. Such behavior seriously violates the principle of integrity in international economic and trade cooperation.
After the Geneva talks, the United States continued to take bullying measures to suppress Chinese high-tech chips and other advanced technologies. The day after the agreement was signed, the United States banned other countries from using Huawei chips and threatened to review and revoke Chinese student visas.
Such capricious and untrustworthy behavior has seriously damaged the authority and executability of the China-U.S. economic and trade framework agreement, making it difficult for the agreement to be smoothly implemented.
These actions by the United States not only violate the principle of integrity but also go against the "free, open, and fair" trade principles that the United States itself advocates in the international community.
This double standard not only harms China's interests but also disrupts the stability of the global industrial chain and will ultimately backfire on the United States itself. As former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson warned, "When the United States is no longer trusted to keep its promises, our leadership position in the world will be damaged."
After the London economic and trade talks, according to U.S. President Donald Trump's revelation on social media, the United States will still impose a 55 percent tariff on China. The unilateral imposition of these high tariffs by the United States seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization and once again shows the lack of integrity on the part of the United States in China-U.S. relations. In response, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, He Yadong, stated that China has always opposed unilateral tariff increases.
A cargo ship docking at a container terminal of Tianjin Port in north China's Tianjin, April 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Strengthening integrity building to promote the implementation of the China-U.S. economic and trade framework agreement
Faced with the challenges to integrity, both China and the United States must work together to strengthen integrity building in order to promote the implementation of the economic and trade framework agreement. At the government level, effective communication mechanisms should be established to enhance mutual understanding and trust. Through regular high-level dialogues and economic and trade consultations, problems arising in cooperation can be resolved in a timely manner, consensus can be increased, misunderstandings can be reduced, and cooperation can be strengthened. At the same time, both sides should improve their laws and regulations to clarify the responsibilities of integrity in economic and trade cooperation.
At the enterprise level, Chinese and American companies should also strengthen self-discipline and establish the concept of integrity in business operations. As the main players in economic and trade cooperation, companies should strictly abide by contractual agreements, fulfill their social responsibilities, and win their markets and reputation with integrity. In addition, the two sides can promote mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries through enhanced cultural exchanges and educational cooperation, creating a favorable social atmosphere for economic and trade cooperation.
Integrity, which seems to be a simple moral requirement, is in fact the cornerstone of international economic and trade cooperation. The success of the China-U.S. economic and trade framework agreement depends on whether both sides can adhere to the principle of integrity. China has always valued the concept of "a promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold" and has maintained a good record in fulfilling international commitments. We urge the United States to abide by the rules of the World Trade Organization and work with China, in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, to jointly promote the stable and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.
Pang Xinhua is a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN.