Headline Feb 18, 2018/ ''' TRADE -*TUNES*- TRUCE '''

''' TRADE -*TUNES*- TRUCE '''

VLADIMIR  LENIN : *THE CAPITALIST WILL sell us the rope, with which we will hang them* ......... never could, and just won't happen.

CAPITALISM..... went on and did some tremendous good and great work in the world. And the whole world seems to be turning that way, one variation, one variant, or the other.

PRESIDENT TRUMP just so recently, fired first shot in an economic war with the People's Republic of China-

 By imposing tariffs on Chinese made solar panels.

So is it now getting more and more obvious that a *US trade war with China* - will be much tougher than the Japanese Edition.

Lets observe and see.

One almost feels nostalgic for the 1980s trade battles with the Japanese - who were similarly  portrayed as threatening and just so bent on world domination.

Such fears proved overblown - as Japan's ''bubble'' burst and and it settled into a decades-long economic funk. Might things play out similarly with the PRC? Perhaps.

But China may be a tougher opponent.

HOW SO?

When at the height of the Japanese economic juggernaut, Japan was self- restrained. Tokyo recognized the United States as its only ally - and military protector.

This strategic requirement to not make the Americans too angry meant trade concessions - however grudging - would be made.

Moreover, Japan never intended to supplant US military and political dominance in Asia or anywhere else.

The furthest Japan came to asserting itself over the United States was the head of a leading Japanese financial firm suggesting California be declared a Free Trade Zone-

*In return for which Japan would ''solve'' the trade deficit*.

Such was the country's bubble-era hubris.

CHINA, - on the other hand ............... The PRC seeks to displace the United States in Asia and outdo US influence globally.

China regards economic power as being intertwined with military and political power - to be wielded like a club. Beijing concedes nothing easily and is far more willing to engage in tit-for-tat trade battles than Tokyo ever was.

Arguably, Japan was also more frightened of *trade pressure* than today's China. While both economies were and are export-driven - and vulnerable to sanctions.

 In the late 1980s few US companies used Japan as a manufacturing base for export back to America.

But the many US companies taking advantage of cheap labor [and the eternal hope making a bundle in the huge China [market] are a hedge against US pressure.

*Hit Chinese companies and you are likely to hurt American companies*.

Also, Japan's economic threat was mostly concentrated on three major US industries - automobiles, electronics, and steel. Japan took advantage of the technological and manufacturing prowess - and sometimes unfair trade practices.

A chaotic US economy, obstinate labor unions, and skilled management, heightened the sense of vulnerability.

China, however, matches up competitively...... - now or in the future - with nearly every American made product. Go to Walmart and take a look. And it's not just Christmas ornament manufacturers  who've been harmed -

High-end products and industries long dominated by the US and being very much challenged.

There's another big difference.

In response to US political pressure -some unfair- Japan bit its tongue and moved Toyota, Nissan and Honda to America, effectively granting Detroit a reprieve.

The Peoples Republic of China is more likely to offer to buy a weakened GM and Ford - and when turned down, complain of discrimination and look for opportunities to exact revenge. 

Worldwide Influence :

Although the Japanese industry and government operated worldwide, the country had nowhere near the influence China has accumulated in recent years.

The Peoples Republic of China has used its money very well, indeed.

China may over-lend on onerous terms and then put the squeeze on. And the Belt and Road may have questionable long-term prospects - but it is creating a real presence and influence in far-flung parts of the world-

*Unlike anything Japan had going*

The Honor and Serving of latest *Operational Research* on World Trade Order, Globalization, '' Quality of Life'' and Economics continues. And with many thanks for researcher and author, Grant Newsham.

With respectful dedication to the Leaders of the world, Grandparents, Parents, Students, Professors and Teachers. See Ya all ''register'' on !WOW! -the World Students Society and Twitter- !E-WOW! - the Ecosystem 2011:

''' Economic Growth '''

Good Night and God Bless

SAM Daily Times - the Voice of the Voiceless