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Friday, 18 April 2025

Malaysia will be China’s friend at all times, 31 MOUs inked in ‘new golden era’

 

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will remain an unwavering and principled friend to China during “moments of triumph and times of trial”, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

The Prime Minister said Malaysia and China have long stood shoulder to shoulder – not merely as comprehensive strategic partners, but as steadfast friends.

“Malaysia values this consistency. Malaysia will remain an unwavering and principled friend to China, guided by the wisdom of history and the promise of the future,” he said in a speech during the official dinner in honour of President Xi Jinping last night.

At a time when multilateralism is under tremendous strain, as certain nations abandon the principle of shared responsibility and others question long-standing commitments, Anwar said China’s global initiatives seem to offer a new lease on hope. 

“What we are witnessing today is not an honest reckoning with the imperfections of globalisation, but a retreat into economic tribalism. 

“Market access is being wea­ponised. What was once a multilateral covenant for shared growth now buckles under the weight of arbitrary disruption and unilateral whim.

“Amid this turbulence, China has been a rational, strong and reliable partner,” he said

Anwar said Malaysia’s foreign policy was shaped by a “clear-eyed” vision of its interest and the principle of Asean centrality.

“We do not simply favour coope­ration over confrontation (but) we embrace it. We do not merely prefer respect over rivalry, we uphold it.

“And we choose dialogue, not simply because it chose us, but as a cornerstone of lasting peace and prosperity,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that during these trying times, the world yearns for steadiness, reliability and purpose.

“We see this in China’s conduct. Malaysia acknowledges such steadiness with quiet recognition and remains conscious not only of the calm it has brought, but of the hope it may continue to offer,” said Anwar.

He said under the leadership of Xi, China has outlined a series of global initiatives that reflect a distinctive worldview.

He said the Belt and Road Initiative reimagines connectivity not as a network of roads and rails, but as a framework for cooperation.

“The Global Development Initiative underscores the importance of inclusive progress.

“The Global Security Initiative calls for peace through dialogue,” he said.

“Each of these ideas reflects a broader aspiration of what President Xi has described as a community with a shared future for mankind. 

“This brings to mind the famous saying of Confucius, that ‘within the four seas, all men are brothers’,” added Anwar, who said the phrase in Chinese.

He said he also hoped that Malaysia and China would endure a long-lasting relationship.

Malaysia and China deepen partnership with major deals on trade, tech and tourism

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China have signed 31 memoranda of understanding (MOUs), notes and cooperation agreements with the highlight being a mutual visa exemption for travellers between the two countries.

Currently, Malaysians can tra­vel to China visa-free until Dec 31 this year, while Chinese nationals enjoy visa-free travel to Malaysia until Dec 31 next year.

The exemption was in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.

Other strategic areas of coope­ration include security, development, trade, transport, agriculture, education and digital technology.

The exchange of documents, which took place at the Seri Perdana Complex yesterday, was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Among the key agreements signed with ministries and agencies is one concerning giant pandas, comprising an MOU on the Cooperative Research Agreement for the International Conservation of Giant Pandas.

Strategic talks: Anwar and Xi with their delegates during a bilateral meeting at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The StarStrategic talks: Anwar and Xi with their delegates during a bilateral meeting at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

Additionally, under the Invest­ment, Trade and Industry Minis­try, three MOUs were signed, including one aimed at upgrading the China-Malaysia “Two Coun­tries, Twin Parks” initiative.

Also, three MOUs were inked under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, including tourism and media cooperation between Xinhua News Agency from China and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board.

There was also an exchange of notes between China and Malay­sia on the establishment of a joint foreign and defence dialogue.

Under the Transport Ministry, Malaysia and China signed an MOU between the National Railway Administration of China and the Transport Ministry to strengthen cooperation in the railway sector.

Meanwhile, the Digital Ministry and China’s National Develop­ment and Reform Commission inked an MOU on the digital economy, while the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of intellectual property.

Several MOUs were also signed with media groups and universities, including one on bilateral cooperation between China’s People’s Daily and Star Media Group Bhd.

At the start of a bilateral mee­ting, Anwar remarked that Malaysia remains committed to working together with China in various areas, including economy, trade, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The Prime Minister stated that China is not only a close neighbour but also an important partner through the comprehensive strategic partnership, which reflects the deep trust and long-­standing cooperation between the two nations.

Toasting ties: Anwar and Xi attending the official dinner in honour of the Chinese President at the Seri Perdana Complex. — BernamaToasting ties: Anwar and Xi attending the official dinner in honour of the Chinese President at the Seri Perdana Complex. — Bernama

Recalling his previous visit to China, Anwar said: “As I have said to you when we met in China, President Xi exemplifies a new type of persona, a leader who talks about growth and investment and economic advancement.

“He also talks about eliminating poverty and has proven his success, more importantly about shared prosperity and civilisation, which is hardly expressed by any modern leader in this world.

“We admire your tenacity and for that Malaysians welcome you, President Xi, not only as president of a great country, the President of China, but as a true friend.”

In his remarks, Xi announced a bold and shared vision for the future of China-Malaysia relations, pledging to elevate the partnership to unprecedented strategic heights.

He said both countries are committed to forging an even stronger bond, promising mutual benefits and enhanced regional prosperity.

“This marks my return to Malaysia after 12 years, during which the nation has achieved remarkable progress in its develop­ment.

“Your Madani government is steadily becoming a promising reality, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations,” he said.

Xi recalled the pivotal establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia over five decades ago, which defied the tensions of the Cold War.

He also highlighted the solida­rity exhibited by both nations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Today, our two countries are working in unity to jointly build a community with a shared future. China-Malaysia relations are now entering a new golden era,” he said

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May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future


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Thursday, 17 April 2025

China establishes world's first three-satellite constellation in the Earth-moon region of space; Space rescue: Chinese astro-engineers share a satellite-saving mission that spans 123 days and covers 8.5 million kilometers

 


Photo: CCTV News


China has successfully established the world's first three-satellite constellation on the distant retrograde orbit (DRO) in the Earth-moon region of space, connecting them with stable inter-satellite measurement and communication links, Global Times learned from program developer the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).  

Such development has yielded variety of original scientific and technology outcomes, laying a solid ground for the country's future development of the Earth-moon region of space and frontier exploration of the space science, the CAS disclosed in the statement it provided to the Global Times on Wednesday. 

Per the CAS, the Earth-moon region of space refers to the expanded domain extending outward from Earth's orbit, reaching up to 2 million kilometers from Earth. Compared to Earth's orbital space, its three-dimensional volume expands by more than a thousand times, the academy explained. 

Developing and utilizing cislunar space holds tremendous strategic significance for lunar resource exploitation, long-term human habitation beyond Earth, interplanetary activities, and the sustainable exploration of the solar system, it added. 

The CAS launched preliminary research and key technology development in this region in 2017. In February 2022, a pilot project was initiated to develop and launch three satellites to form a large-scale satellite constellation in the region of space, aimed at exploring the unique characteristics and application potential of the DRO.

The DRO-A and -B satellites were launched in March 2024, and entered their mission orbit on July 15 the same year, while the DRO-L was launched in February 2024 into a sun-synchronous orbit and began conducting experiments as planned. The three formed the constellation for the first time in August 2024. 

The plan included DRO-A satellite permanently staying in the DRO, while the DRO-B satellite operates in Earth-moon space maneuver orbits, according to CAS' Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU.)

Chinese scientists have made significant breakthroughs in ranging fields since the set-up of the three-satellite constellation in 2024.

Building on years of research in Earth-moon region of space astrodynamics and space exploration, the scientific team proposed an innovative design concept: trading longer flight time for increased payload capacity and greater contingency margin. As a result, the satellites completed Earth-moon transfer and achieved low-energy DRO insertion using only one-fifth of the fuel required by traditional methods, marking the world's first successful low-energy insertion into a DRO. 

This breakthrough significantly reduces the cost of accessing cislunar space, opening up new avenues for large-scale development and utilization.

The team also achieved another world-first by successfully verifying a 1.17-million-kilometer K-band inter-satellite microwave measurement and communication link, overcoming a major technological bottleneck in building large-scale constellations in cislunar space. 

In terms of space science, the mission has also supported astrophysical research such as gamma-ray burst detection and trialed new technologies, including operating atomic clocks.

Moreover, Chinese researchers successfully validated a new space-based orbit determination system whereby one satellite tracks another, replacing traditional ground-based tracking. Using just three hours of inter-satellite measurement data, they achieved orbit determination accuracy equivalent to over two days of traditional ground tracking. This breakthrough significantly lowers the cost of orbit determination for cislunar spacecraft, paving the way for more efficient operations.

Wang Wenbin, a researcher at CSU, hailed that this achievement marks the first time internationally that orbit determination was verified using satellite-to-satellite tracking rather than ground stations. 

"It's like turning a traditional ground station into a satellite and placing it in a low-Earth orbit," he explained. "This opens a new technical pathway for China's future cislunar and deep space exploration. It also provides an efficient solution for orbit determination, navigation, and timing across various cislunar orbits, supporting the future expansion of large-scale commercial activity in cislunar space."

Researchers told the Global Times on Wednesday that the program would support China's future lunar exploration mission, including providing space-based inter-satellite measurement for rapid orbit determination and autonomous navigation services for lunar exploration mission orbiters, and supply high-precision time signals for lunar surface facilities. 

Additionally, as the DRO is far from Earth and the moon, free from obstructions, it could facilitate the establishment of communication links with lunar exploration mission spacecraft, and assist in the downlink of critical or emergency data, researchers explained.

Space rescue: Chinese astro-engineers share a satellite-saving mission that spans 123 days and covers 8.5 million kilometers

Photo: CCTV News

A diagram of the world's first three-satellite constellation on the distant retrograde orbit (DRO) in the Earth-moon region established by China Photo: Courtesy of the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization, Chinese Academy of Sciences


China has successfully established the world's first three-satellite constellation on the distant retrograde orbit (DRO) in the Earth-moon region of space, with the constellation operating stably for over 200 days, the Global Times learned at an academic seminar held by the project's developer, the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) recently.

Apart from sharing this groundbreaking achievement, a particular detail discussed at the seminar attracted widespread attention: During the launch of two satellites in the three-satellite constellation - DRO-A and DRO-B - in March 2024, the mission once encountered anomalies. However, the situation was successfully navigated, under the 123-day dedicated efforts by the project's team at the center, with an average age of under 34.

What thrilling events unfolded during the rescue of the malfunctioning satellites, which were tens of thousands of kilometers away? What challenges did the program's team face and overcome? What significance does this launch hold for China's space endeavors and the development of humanity? The Global Times recently spoke with two participants from the project, who recounted how this young team turned a potential space disaster into a success. 

Anomaly in satellite launch

In mid-April, the CSU released images of a DRO-A satellite with its solar panel severely damaged.

The satellite, which is still operational, evokes Zhang Hao's memories of March 13, 2024. That evening, at 8:51 pm, China launched the DRO-A/B satellites using the Long March-2C carrier rocket with a Yuanzheng-1S (Expedition-1S) upper stage attached, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. It was a historic moment, marking China's first foray into the deep exploration of the DRO.

The DRO is a unique family of orbits between the Earth and the moon. A typical DRO is located around 310,000 to 450,000 kilometers from the Earth, or 70,000 to 100,000 kilometers from the moon. Compared to other orbits, the DRO offers greater stability, allowing spacecraft to remain in position for hundreds of years without frequent adjustments. It is regarded by the aerospace community as a "natural harbor in the Earth-moon space." Following the launch of the DRO-A/B satellites, they are expected to work in conjunction with the previously launched DRO-L satellite, to establish K-band microwave inter-satellite measurement and communication links.

"Together, they will form a lighthouse or a beacon for further deep space exploration by us," Zhang, a research fellow at the CSU, told the Global Times.

However, shortly after the launch that evening, news of an "anomaly during the DRO-A/B satellite launch" drew public attention: While the first and second stages of the rocket flew normally, the upper stage, which is directly responsible for placing the satellites in their designated orbit, experienced an anomaly, resulting in the satellites not reaching their intended trajectory. 

Zhang, responsible for orbital design and mission planning in this project, recalled details from that moment in the mission control center. At about 11 pm, signaling the imminent separation of the satellites from the rocket, the parameters representing the apogee height on the large screen suddenly fluctuated violently: The apogee height, which was supposed to steadily increase to 292,000 kilometers, instead oscillated like a roller coaster at just 150,000 kilometers.

Yin Yongchen, a third-year doctoral student at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), is one of the Gen Z members of the project team. That night, the 24-year-old, who was busy with the relevant Ground System and was not directly aware of the situation on-site, recalled that several dozen minutes had passed beyond the expected time of the separation [of the satellites from the rocket] without any updates. 

"I felt a vague sense of unease," he said. As midnight approached, Yin received a message from Zhang informing him that there was indeed a problem with the launch. "My heart sank at that moment."

In this project, Yin's role primarily involved assisting Zhang with contingency planning prior to the satellite launch. Now that an emergency had truly arisen, he realized that their upcoming tasks would be even more challenging.

Finally, after approximately 40 minutes of losing contact, the Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) system captured a flickering signal. The team discovered that the DRO-A/B satellite duo had been "thrown" into an orbit at an apogee of only 134,000 kilometers - far below the intended 292,000 kilometers. 

Worse still, it was spinning at over 200 degrees per second at that time. 

"If these satellites did not regain their status within a few hours, their power may run out, or if they continued spinning at such high speeds, they would fall apart, become multiple pieces of space debris," Zhang told the Global Times. 

"We needed to quickly and efficiently find a solution and implement it before that happened," Zhang said.

Aero-engineers work at the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), on January 18, 2024. Photos on this page: Courtesy of the CSU

Aero-engineers work at the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), on January 18, 2024. Photos on this page: Courtesy of the CSU



Youth power


The project team made multiple adjustments to the trajectory of the DRO-A/B satellite constellation in the following months. This "space rescue" was officially declared a success on July 15, 2024, lasting 123 days. Later, on August 28, DRO-A and DRO-B were successfully separated.

The project team accomplished this remarkable feat, covering approximately 8.5 million kilometers, while consuming only one fifth of the fuel typically required for such missions. The space rescue not only salvaged satellites, but also validated several "world firsts," such as low-energy transfer for the DRO spacecraft, inter-satellite communication over a distance of 1.17 million kilometers, and a new system for space-based orbit determination.

Zhang, who participated in the satellite launch control process for the first time, reflected on the valuable experience he gained during the mission. "In this rescue, we collaborated closely with people from different institutions, and I accumulated a lot of practical experience," he said. "More importantly, the successful orbital insertion of the satellite is only a beginning, subsequent on-orbit technical breakthrough and scientific discoveries are waiting ahead of us."

According to Zhang, the three-satellite constellation, which includes DRO-A, DRO-B, and the previously launched DRO-L, is expected to serve as a guiding beacon and communication hub for future space navigation. It can also function as space laboratories due to its unique gravitational field. Moreover, in the future, the constellation may serve as infrastructure for lunar resource development, and even pave the way for information highways for Mars exploration.

Despite the significance of the mission, the team executing it is remarkably young. A millennial himself, Zhang noted that most team members are millennials. He praised the Gen-Z students involved in the project for their strong technical skills, sense of responsibility, and passion for aerospace research. "The system of integrating research and education of UCAS, or more broadly, our national education system, has laid the foundation for the Gen-Z students to deal with these situations".

Yin recalled the overwhelming sense of achievement and joy he felt when the rescue was officially declared successful. "As a student, being part of this rescue and witnessing this historic moment in China's space history, is something I take great pride in," he told the Global Times.

May 4 marks China's Youth Day. Yin said that there are more and more young people like him who are proud of China's great achievements in space exploration, with a dream of embarking on a journey "to the sea of stars," by joining the aerospace industry. "It is truly an honor for our younger generation to witness, and even contribute to, China's rise as a space power," he said.

Get through challenges

An emergency rescue effort on the ground was mounted. Challenges came one after another.  

The first challenge was to stop the spinning 581-kilogram DRO-A/B satellite duo. The project team repeatedly uploaded contingency commands, modifying parameter thresholds, alternately using the engines of each satellite to eliminate the spinning. In an attempt to "talk" to the satellites, the flight control team had to issue each command multiple times. By around 3 am the next day, the satellite duo successfully ceased its high-speed spinning.

Next came the second challenge. Telemetry data indicated that the solar panel of the DRO-A satellite could not lock, while the solar panel of the DRO-B satellite was completely "dislocated." As the power source for the satellites, any anomaly with the solar panels could lead to a critical power shortage, risking total energy depletion.

The team urgently implemented a series of operations, including uploading attitude control commands, and repeatedly adjusting the sun-pointing attitude. At last, they managed to successfully "recharge" the satellite with the damaged solar panels.

Having overcome these two major challenges, the real test was just beginning. At the time, the apogee altitude of the DRO-A/B satellites was less than half of what was expected, and fuel reserves were critically low.

How could the satellites be brought back on track? Within 40 hours, the team members engaged in heated discussions, scribbling formulas, coding, and repeatedly calculating a plan to return the satellites to their intended orbit amid the complex influences of various gravitational forces. During this period, Zhang and some colleagues hardly rested. "I was highly tense and concentrated, and didn't even feel tired," said Zhang.

Majoring in Astrodynamics, Yin participated in the review of orbital control parameters during this rescue. The task required meticulousness and patience. Yin recalled that each review of the orbital control parameters was time-sensitive, necessitating timely command uploads to the satellites. 

Under pressure, Yin made a slight error in setting the engine parameters, which delayed the successful review of the parameters. "I was quite anxious at that moment, worried that my mistake would hinder the normal execution of the mission," he told the Global Times. The issue was later promptly identified and resolved with the help of the team's veteran members.

Time passed during the tense yet orderly rescue operation. At 12:42 pm on March 18, 2024, nearly five days after launching the first contingency orbital control maneuver, the apogee altitude of the satellites was successfully raised to the intended height of about 240,000 kilometers, bringing a sigh of temporary relief to the entire team. A few days later, the project team conducted a second perigee orbital maneuver, successfully elevating the combination to around 380,000 kilometers.

Reflecting on the process of overcoming each challenge with his coworkers, Zhang described their overall demeanor as "busy yet composed." He mentioned that before satellite launching, they would brainstorm in advance about potential malfunctions, and prepare relevant countermeasures.

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Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Telcos ordered to resolve Internet issues

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Deepseekw https://www.deepseek.com/./深度求索

 TAPAH: Communic ations Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has given all telecommunication companies until 5 pm on Sunday to submit solutions to the problem of poor Internet access nationwide, or face stern action.

Fahmi said he has contacted Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) executive chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din on Sunday morning and instructed telecommunications companies involved to respond promptly to the weak coverage feedback conveyed.

“Telecommunication companies need to be more proactive in resolving this issue. When it comes to collecting overdue bills, they’re lightning fast, but when we lodge complaints, it takes months.

“So I’ve had enough. If they fail to present swift and concrete solutions by 5 pm today, MCMC will begin enforcement action against them tomorrow,” he told reporters after visiting the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in Air Kuning on Sunday.

Also present were Perak Communications, Multimedia and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi and Barisan Nasional candidate for the Ayer Kuning state byelection, Dr Mohamad Yusri

Bakir.

Fahmi said based on a drive test conducted by MCMC on March 5, many areas still fail to meet the Mandatory Standards on Quality of Service (MSQoS), which currently requires a minimum speed of 7.5 Mbps, which will be increased to 10 Mbps next year.

“The issue of Internet access is not only limited to Air Kuning, it is also affecting many other areas such as Belaga and Ulu Rajang in Sarawak, the new township of Serenia, the outskirts of Tambun, and even on Pangkor Island. Several Orang Asli villages have also been impacted,” he said.

He added that if the telecommunication companies failed to resolve the Internet access problem, they would face stricter enforcement measures, including hefty fines and penalties that could reach millions of ringgit.

“After we amended the Communications and Multimedia Act, which came into effect on Feb 11, fines and compounds that can be imposed on telcos will be significantly higher than before,” he said.

At the same time, Fahmi reminded netizens to be cautious when making statements or campaigning on social media, especially concerning the 3R issues (race, religion, royalty) during the Ayer Kuning byelection period.

“If there are individuals who upload extreme posts or 3R-related content, and are convicted in court, they may be fined up to RM500,000, compounded up to RM250,000, or face imprisonment. I hope all parties will conduct their campaigns in a responsible manner,” he said.

Fahmi said so far, no complaints have been received, but he expected campaign activities to pick up in the coming week.

When asked about Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters using caricatures that seemingly mocked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Fahmi said he was not surprised by the approach.

“If that’s how they want to campaign, so be it. That’s their way. Let us campaign based on facts, ideas, and what we can actually offer, not just insults and ridicule,” he said.- The Borneo Post (Sabah)

How to make a report to MCMC when your telco 

disappoints you 

https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/report-mcmc-telco-disappoints-again-231249225.html


Sunday, 13 April 2025

Beijing: We have ‘will and means’ to counter tariffs

ation: Liu Rui/GT -    

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Big buyer: A container ship leaving Qingdao, China. United Nation’s data show US exports to China rose 684% between 2001 and 2024.— AP

BEIJING: China has called on the United States to remove unilateral tariffs as quickly as possible and work with it in the spirit of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, in order to address respective concerns through dialogue and consultations on an equal footing, the Commerce Ministry says.

Chinese officials said on Wednesday that should Washington further intensify tariffs and restrictive measures against China, Beijing has the “firm will and abundant means” to fight until the end.

Their comments came after the State Council Information Office released on Wednesday a white paper titled China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-US Economic and Trade Relations, which noted that the recent US move of using tariffs as a coercive tool is a grave mistake and further exposes the typical unilateralist and bullying nature of the US government.

Since US President Donald Trump took office in late January, Washington has repeatedly imposed additional tariffs on China, and the tax rate on Chinese imports has now reached over 120%.

Noting that these actions could have a severe impact on China-US economic and trade relations, the white paper emphasised that the key is to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns and find proper solutions through dialogue and consultation.

The essence of China-US economic and trade relations is one of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, despite the inevitable differences and friction that arise between the two countries due to their different stages of development and distinct economic systems, according to the document.

Trade data from the United Nations shows that the value of US goods exported to China reached US$143.55bil last year, up 648.4% compared with the US$19.18bil recorded in 2001.

The growth in US exports to China has far outpaced the 183.1% increase in overall US exports during the same period.

Detailing the white paper, a Commerce Ministry official said, “With firm will and abundant means, China will resolutely take countermeasures and fight until the end if the United States insists on further escalating economic and trade-restrictive measures.”

There is no winner in a trade war, and China does not want a trade war, the official emphasised, adding that the Chinese government “will by no means stand idle when the legitimate rights and interests of its people are being hurt and deprived”.

The official said that it is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying for the United States to take tariffs as a weapon of exerting maximum pressure and pursuing self-interest.

Under the guise of pursuing “reciprocity” and “fairness”, the United States is engaging in zero-sum games and, in essence, seeking “America First” and “American exceptionalism”, the official said.

The United States is exploiting tariffs to subvert the existing international economic and trade order, prioritising US interests above the global common good, and sacrificing the legitimate interests of countries worldwide to serve its own hegemonic agenda, he added.

Noting that the United States is also deliberately severing the well-established global industrial and supply chains and breaking market-oriented free trade rules, the official said these practices seriously interrupt the economic development of countries around the globe and affect the long-term stable growth of the world economy.

Lin Jian, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said at a daily news conference on Wednesday that “if the United States disregards the interests of the two countries and the international community and stubbornly persists in the tariff war and trade war, China stands ready to fight to the end”.

Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said, “A trade war, for sure, produces no winner, but the United States is destined to suffer greater losses than others.”

On Tuesday, Goldman Sachs raised the odds of a recession in the United States to 45%, just a week after it said the odds were at 35%, as fears of an impending trade war increased.

It also revised its forecast for this year’s gross domestic product growth in the United States to 1.3%, down from 1.5% and cautioned about the possibility of a bear market.

Cui said the US tariff hikes will estrange allies, disrupt market dynamics, and provoke retaliatory actions that will reverberate throughout supply chains and hit US consumers hard.

More importantly, the measures fail to provide a clear path for the United States to regain its competitive edge in key industries, he added.

Navin Girishankar, president of the Economic Security and Technology Department at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said, “You can’t fight a trade war and then expect to win a tech war.”

Highlighting industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and clean energy that largely rely on international collaboration, Girishankar said that tariffs would increase costs and reduce efficiency, eroding the ability of the United States bto compete in such sectors. — China Daily/ANN

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