Insights丨Former senior U.S. official: Tariff war distorts free trade

Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Rick Waters told China News Network at Beijing Xiangshan Forum Navigator Meeting 2025 that the tariff war is not about winning, and that who wins is not helpful.

He pointed out that anything that distorts free commerce and trade is not good for the U.S. economy, noting that the world is paying the price of greater protectionism because of the U.S. fiscal imbalances and insufficient saving.

He emphasized that China and the U.S. should first find a way to communicate effectively, manage their differences, and seek common interests and areas for cooperation. (Gong Weiwei)