Commentary: New U.S. trade curbs targeting Chinese company reek of unilateralism

A new U.S. export restriction against a Chinese telecom company is the latest example of Uncle Sam clinging to the outdated practice of unilateralism at a time when more countries choose to resolve disputes via mutual or multilateral consultations.

Under the measures announced Monday by the U.S. Department of Commerce, ZTE, a Chinese tech giant that operates in many parts of the world, will not be able to buy components from U.S. suppliers, due to its alleged violation of U.S. policy banning sales of technology products to Iran.

By citing domestic laws to justify its move against the Chinese firm, Washington is actually reinforcing the impression that it sees the whole world as being under its jurisdiction.

While it is fact that China has maintained close trade relations with Iran during the past few years when the West was stepping up sanctions on the Middle East country, such interactions are in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and thus beyond reproach.

Following the U.S. announcement of trade restrictions, ZTE also said it is "fully committed to compliance with the laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates" and it "has been cooperating, will continue to cooperate and communicate with all U.S. agencies as required."

The latest U.S. move to impose trade restrictions on a Chinese enterprise, though an unwelcome gesture, is by no means a surprise for the Chinese side given Washington's history of repeatedly slapping unfair sanctions on Chinese businesses.

A brief review of U.S.-China trade frictions in recent years would offer clues as to why Washington is imposing such measures against ZTE.

Washington has frequently targeted Chinese tech firms under the pretext of national security or foreign policy interests, but its real intention, industry analysts say, is to obstruct the rapid development of these companies in efforts to sustain U.S. supremacy in the technology area and beyond.

However, it is worth noting that such protectionist measures will hurt the business prospects of U.S. companies in the long run, since the latest mishap befalling ZTE will make companies in China and elsewhere wary of the possible cessation of business contracts due to abrupt government decisions.

It is in the best interest of the United States if Washington would revoke its hardly justified and unproductive decision regarding ZTE and take measures to properly resolve the issue. Endi