China Casts Itself as Free-Trade Champion With 49,000-EV Canada Deal
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 25
China Casts Itself as Free-Trade Champion With 49,000-EV Canada Deal
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 25
Summary
China is using the U.S.-Canada trade war to present itself as a stable defender of free trade, arguing Washington’s tariffs are driving allies toward Beijing.
A January pact with Ottawa now looks timely: Canada agreed to admit up to 49,000 Chinese EVs at most-favored-nation rates in exchange for better access for Canadian canola, seafood and peas.
Beijing has reinforced that message by signing a free-trade agreement with Switzerland last week and waiving tariffs on goods from all but one African nation in May.
Analysts say China is exploiting damage to U.S. leadership, but Beijing still depends on the dollar-based system and is unlikely to try to replace it outright.