Nothing exceptional about America except its immorality

Editor's note: Some in the United States are accustomed to applying a double standard and "American exceptionalism" in international affairs, and in their eyes the rules are used to constrain other countries and have nothing to do with the US. Zhong Sheng, a columnist for People's Daily, comments:

Some US politicians make sensational remarks about trade, debt, rule-breaking and human rights, revealing their chaotic logic and haughty mindset.

For example, the US is by far the biggest violator of World Trade Organization rules, but some US politicians try to confuse right and wrong, accusing China of breaking WTO rules. The Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council failed to issue a joint statement for the first time in more than 20 years because the US refused to mention "climate change" while the US secretary of state claims China and Russia pose a threat to the Arctic ecology.

The "American exceptionalism" in essence is a doctrine of civilizational superiority that advocates the US is not like any other country and is "destined to be great" and "bound to lead the world". For example, the US has long regarded Latin America as its own backyard and concocted the notorious Monroe Doctrine to pressure, threaten and even subvert other regimes, leading to instability in the region. It has also tried to export so-called democracy to some countries, resulting in their social divisions and ethnic antagonism.

The reason why some US politicians blatantly promote American exceptionalism lies in the hegemonic thinking deep in their minds. They try their best to weave various kinds of lies and find various kinds of excuses, with an aim of using political means to suppress the legitimate development rights and interests of other countries.

No matter how clever a magic trick is, there always comes a time when how it is done is laid bare. The double standard of US politicians have long been realized by the international community and they are often a laughingstock.

In an increasingly interconnected global village, all countries should enhance their awareness of the rules and work together to address the risks and challenges facing human society. US politicians have no right to assert their primacy at the expense of other countries' legitimate interests, nor do they have a right to make the US "great again" by acting recklessly and immorally.