Why is Washington escalating trade war with China? 

The reasons for the escalation of the trade war between the United States and China are multifaceted and complex. Here are some key factors that have contributed to this escalation:

  1. Trade Imbalance: The United States has long been concerned about its trade deficit with China, which means it imports more from China than it exports. This has been a significant point of contention for policymakers, who argue that China engages in unfair trade practices, such as subsidizing industries and manipulating its currency, to gain an advantage in global trade.

  2. Intellectual Property Theft: Another major issue is intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers. U.S. companies have accused China of stealing their intellectual property and forcing them to transfer technology in order to do business in China. This has led to tensions between the two countries, with the U.S. government imposing tariffs on Chinese goods in response.

  3. National Security Concerns: The U.S. government has also raised national security concerns related to Chinese telecommunications companies like Huawei. The U.S. has accused Huawei of being a security risk due to its alleged ties to the Chinese government and has taken steps to restrict its access to U.S. markets and technology.

  4. Geopolitical Rivalry: Beyond economic concerns, there is a broader geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China, as both countries vie for influence and power on the global stage. This rivalry extends beyond trade to areas such as technology, military, and influence in international organizations.

  5. Domestic Politics: Domestic political considerations in both the United States and China also play a role in the escalation of the trade war. In the U.S., politicians may use tough rhetoric on China to appeal to voters concerned about the impact of globalization on American workers. In China, the government may use nationalist sentiment to rally support amid economic challenges.

Overall, the escalation of the trade war between the United States and China is the result of a combination of economic, strategic, and political factors, reflecting the complex relationship between the world's two largest economies.