This heated debate on stage not only highlighted the deepening mistrust between the two countries but also signaled the looming crisis in global trade relations.
New Delhi: Long-standing trade tensions between the United States and China have once again surfaced. This time, the stage was Shanghai, where a public event witnessed a sharp debate between senior officials from both countries. Issues such as economic imbalances, trade discrimination, and mutual distrust fueled the argument.
At the 110th anniversary event of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), US Consul General Scott Walker and a Chinese Communist Party official, Chen Jing, clashed. While the US accused China of economic imbalances and discriminatory treatment of American companies, China rejected these accusations, calling the US perspective biased and baseless.
US Accusations: A One-Sided Relationship
In his speech, Scott Walker clearly stated that the US-China economic relationship has been one-sided and unbalanced. He argued that American companies are not allowed to operate freely in China and often face discriminatory measures. Walker emphasized, "We only want a fair opportunity. The treatment of American companies in China violates international trade standards. Until this discrimination ends, trust in trade relations cannot be restored."
He also stated that the US seeks only a transparent and sustainable economic partnership, not one that benefits only one side. Following Walker's statement, the atmosphere of the event heated up, and Chen Jing from China immediately responded.
China's Counterattack: Biased and Irresponsible Perspective
Chen Jing, a senior official of the Chinese Communist Party, categorically rejected Walker's accusations. He stated, "The Consul General's perspective is not only incorrect but also contradicts the recent constructive dialogue between the heads of state of both countries." He accused Walker of exhibiting a biased and irresponsible attitude and said that such rhetoric only deepens the chasm of mistrust.
Chen also added that China has opened its trade doors and is continuously making improvements for foreign companies. He said, "Our efforts have always been based on mutual benefit and equality. The US should also stop blaming China for its domestic trade pressures."
Resurfacing Old Tensions: Why is this Debate Important?
This heated debate comes at a time when US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held a telephone conversation. In the conversation, both leaders expressed a desire to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and cooperation. However, the way the representatives of both countries confronted each other in Shanghai made it clear that fundamental issues remain unresolved.
The US believes that China deliberately tightens regulations on American companies, while China claims that the US is trying to defame it. In May 2025, a 90-day 'agreement period' was set between the two countries regarding trade tariffs, so that both countries could find a solution together. But it is now becoming clear that the real problems are much deeper, and reaching a solution is not so easy.
Eric Zheng, chairman of AmCham Shanghai, expressed concern over the entire development, stating that uncertainty is preventing companies from making decisions. Governments must now provide stable, transparent, and clear guidelines to normalize the business environment.
