Avoid Washington's anti-China trap

Facts have repeatedly demonstrated that the current US administration is setting traps for future policymakers, as evidenced in political, economic, technological and military fields.

On Thursday, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) required carriers with Chinese ZTE or Huawei equipment to replace their equipment and began the process of revoking China Telecom's authorization to operate in the United States in the name of national security, as the latest set of trap-setting tricks by certain US politicians.

The crackdown follows Washington's so-called sanctions on senior Chinese lawmakers and approval of arms sales to Taiwan in the past two weeks.

These moves have violated the bottom line of international relations, seriously disrupting normal ties between China and the United States. From the perspective of these opportunists, the tougher the crackdown on China, the more political leverage they will be able to gain from the chaos that ensues.

China has recognized the tricks of these US politicians. The country takes a calm, objective and rational approach to China-US relations. It upholds the spirit of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, with a focus on managing differences and advancing a healthy, stable bilateral relationship through communication.

All sectors of American society, including future policymakers, should also recognize these traps and not be bewitched by the political narratives of those mischief-makers. Wise politicians understand their most pressing task is tackling domestic issues, be it the raging COVID-19 pandemic, a widening gap between the country's rich and poor, intensifying racial tensions, pervasive populism, or a declining economy.

The traps also endanger the followers of the United States and the countries that are trying to join the so-called anti-China alliance. History has demonstrated that any country, no matter how powerful, seeking to defy the global development trend is nothing more than a paper tiger. Acting as "paws of the tiger" will only damage these countries' relations with China and undermine their own national interests, ending up as "a cat's paw."

China is not the same as it was 100 years ago. The country is no bully, but the Chinese people have principles, backbone and wisdom. China will not stand idly by while facing provocations threatening its sovereignty, security and development interests, nor will it be snared by these sinister traps. Such traps will never fool the vigilant, and all should keep a watchful eye.