Hey, amigos! Ever thought about how blocking China's clean tech exports could shake up the world? 🌍 Well, a Bloomberg columnist, David Fickling, just dropped some major insights! 🤔
So, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently hinted at slapping new tariffs or trade actions on the Chinese mainland's green energy goods. 😱 But Fickling says that's totally against 200 years of economic wisdom! 📚
He points out that the whole idea of comparative advantage means if someone can make stuff cheaper, you buy it from them and focus on what you're good at. Makes sense, right? 🧠
Fickling also highlighted that clean tech products like solar panels and electric vehicles only made up about 5.7% of China's exports last year. That's less than suitcases, backpacks, and even toys! 🎒🧸
Here's the kicker: while the world agrees we need more renewable energy (remember the goal to triple it by 2030? 🌞), blocking the Chinese mainland's contributions seems kinda… contradictory. 🤷♂️
He believes that restricting these exports doesn't just hurt economics; it also limits global access to affordable, clean technology. And let's be real, the planet needs that right now! 🌿🌎
Fickling warns that moves like these are more about protectionism than progress, calling them a "protectionist disaster" for both the U.S. and the world. 💥 He suggests that instead of building barriers, countries should collaborate to tackle climate change together. 🤝
So, what do you think? Is blocking clean tech the way to go, or should we be teaming up for a greener future? 💭🌱
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
