When the two world economic superpowers, China and the United States of America, announced that they would have a discussion on the economy and trade between the two nations, it came as a relief to many countries that also have bilateral trade with the two nations.

The two nations must recognize the importance of their bilateral economic and trade relationship and the importance of a sustainable, long-term, mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship. The two nations must in the spirit of mutual opening, continued communication, cooperation and mutual respect, should commit to establishing a mechanism to continue the trade and economic discussions.

China’s consistent position to firmly oppose the US abuse of tariffs and to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests in upholding international fairness and justice, perhaps could have put the brakes on the US administration from increasing tariffs. This is because the tariff war was launched by President Donald Trump’s administration. If the US genuinely wants a genuine dialogue and discussion, it should stop making threats and exerting pressure.

Instead, the US should engage in talks with China on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. China is no pushover since it does not seek any agreement at the cost of its principles or international fairness and justice. The US must now walk the talk. US must not say one thing and do another thing. The US administration has over several months now taken a series of unreasonable and unilateral tariff measures, which has severely disrupted bilateral economic and trade ties and the international trade order.

The US’s willingness to engage in dialogue on tariffs and related issues through multiple channels is commendable. China should also engage the US side while taking into considerations the global expectations, national interests and the calls from the American industry and consumers.

While the US-provoked trade war may have negatively impacted emerging market economies like China and Africa, it may also be a catalyst to stronger cooperation between China and Africa, especially Kenya, in the trade and investment in major manufacturing, green energy and digital economy sectors. The US is one of the major markets for automobiles, agricultural products and mineral exports. US tariffs do not help anybody and nothing can be gained from elevated tariffs.

The American people should wake up and realize that there is something wrong. Economic globalization will not stop because US has increased tariffs to specific countries. As the global supply chains undergo systemic restructuring, Chinese enterprises are adjusting industrial layouts, opening new avenues for China Africa industrial cooperation in labour intensive sectors like textile, electronics and automotive components.

It is also noteworthy that many African countries are also increasingly incorporating the Chinese Yuan (currency) into their foreign exchange reserves amidst the steady progress of the Yuan’s internationalization. Chinese companies are now adopting the Yuan more widely in economic and trade exchanges with Africa, significantly reducing transaction costs. Africa has the potential to become a new destination for global manufacturing relocation, driven by its demographic dividend, accelerating urbanization pace, and government policy incentives.

Africa could be the most promising growth point for Chinese companies as traditional sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing and agriculture will remain key investment priorities for Chinese businesses in Africa, while green energy, health care, fintech and blue economy will emerge as new engines driving collaborative development between China and Africa. Countries, particularly the emerging market economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), should work together to maintain their economic integration and trade globalization. This will end US hegemonic tendencies and trade imbalance.