There is bipartisan support for a tough approach to trade with China. But is severing U.S.-Chinese economic ties a good idea?
There is broad bipartisan support in Washington for taking a tougher approach to trade with China and reducing U.S. dependence on Chinese goods. But is it a good idea to try to sever the two countries’ economic ties?
Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman point out that cutting supply chains can have unexpected negative effects—better to make those supply chains more resilient. Jeff D. Colgan warns that decoupling could spell the end for any international effort to combat climate change. And Chad P. Bown and Douglas A. Irwin contend that separating the world’s two largest economies would do irreparable damage to the global trading system.
As an alternative policy, Ely Ratner, Elizabeth Rosenberg, and Paul Scharre propose renewing U.S. competitiveness and enlisting U.S. allies to combat harmful Chinese practices. Roberta Jacobson and Tom Wyler write that deeper North American integration is necessary if the United States wants to compete with Chinese supply chains. Finally, Farrell and Newman argue that decoupling is a fantasy and economic interdependence is here to stay—what Washington must do is learn to manage the risks that come with it. This special election coverage is made possible in part by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. Subscribe Today and Save 55% New Subscribers Get a Free eBook |
