We know that more than half of the U. S. population is convinced that Donald Trump is a loose cannon on the deck of the ship of state. Now we know that some of our key partners in international trade agree with us.
It all started last week, when Donald Trump spoke on the phone with the President of Taiwan. We still don’t know for sure if that call was a simple, “Hey, good for you, Donny!” from Taiwan, or if it was carefully orchestrated for months by the Trump camp in order to further the man’s business dealings with the Taiwanese government.
We have our theories, though.
At any rate, the phone call violated decades of international relations protocol, and upset the second largest economic power in the world.
The Chinese government was, to say the least, not amused.
Today Chinese state media, which is used by the government to get its opinions shared with the wider world, called President elect Trump a “diplomatic rookie” who is endangering international trade and world peace.
It was bad enough when Trump appeared to fumble by talking directly to the Taiwanese leader. He looked then like a complete fool who had no idea at all about how diplomatic relationships are conducted. But after the world media criticized his call, he became as defensive as usual, and took to Twitter to complain about the Chinese government.
Did China ask us if it was OK to devalue their currency (making it hard for our companies to compete), heavily tax our products going into..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2016
The Chinese media outlet “The Global Times” blasted Trump for his lack of skill in international relations, and for his naive view of the American-Chinese trade relationship.
They went after the President-elect for “throwing a tantrum,” although they weren’t sure whether that tantrum was in reaction to being criticized for his call to Taiwan, or whether it signaled a change in US-China relations.
So this is a serious issue, folks. “The Global Times” wrote:
“Trump’s reckless remarks against a major power show his lack of experience in diplomacy. He may have overestimated the power of the US. He may have already been obsessed with the power he is about to have a grip on, and wishes the whole world should follow his lead. He may also believe that if China, the biggest power after the US, is awed by Washington, it will solve all other problems.”
Wow. So here we are, more than a month away from this guy even taking office, and he has already managed to upset our third largest partner in trade.
We need to be really, really worried here. The Chinese government apparently understands that they are dealing with an impulsive, immature, self-serving rookie playing the role of America’s leader.
They aren’t likely to put up with his antics for long, and that can only spell disaster for the U.S. economy.
Listen to how China refers to Trump’s “rookie mistake.”
Featured image via YouTube screengrab.
