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Re: The Neverending Fight Against On-line Junk

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2018 7:21 pm
by Grok
I understand that for the new version of NAFTA, the U.S. negotiator insisted that no Chinese parts be included in vehicles assembled in Canada or Mexico.

I have to say that, at this point, it is likely wise to disengage from China.

Re: The Neverending Fight Against On-line Junk

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2018 11:28 pm
by crfriend
Grok wrote:I understand that for the new version of NAFTA, the U.S. negotiator insisted that no Chinese parts be included in vehicles assembled in Canada or Mexico.

I have to say that, at this point, it is likely wise to disengage from China.
I would suggest some reading on geo-politics and economics in this regard. Whilst the "New NAFTA" does include a few direct barbs at China, a prohibition on automotive parts is not among them. The notable quote on this is that if another country in the "New NAFTA" agreement deepens ties with a nation which has a non-market economy the other any of the others are free to bail from the agreement. It's a hollow threat.

China would survive if the US put a 100% embargo on Chinese goods. If China refused to sell to the US the US would implode. The US simply does not have the bulk manufacturing capability to keep itself in consumer goods (like clothing, appliances, cars, &c.) at the level required. This is down to all the industrial-scale manufacturing being exported to China and Southeast Asia in general to line the pockets of the oligarchs in the US. Whilst the US remains unparalleled in "boutique" manufacturing (niche goods, R&D, proof-of-concept, and prototype) it cannot sustain its own economy internally. Yes, we build and export aeroplanes -- a boutique market; we cannot clothe, house, or sustain our daily needs internally. To rebuild that sort of base would take a human generation or longer.

Put bluntly, disengagement is not possible; the US is too dependent on China -- a potentially hostile power.