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Loke hopeful Anwar-Xi wisdom can counter irrational 'tariff politics'
Transport Minister Anthony Loke waxed lyrical today about Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese President Xi Jinping - saying the two are reflecting Asian wisdom in countering “lawless logic” about tariffs.
In a veiled dig at the Donald Trump administration, Loke said that the irrational manipulation of tariff politics has raised concerns both about regression in global trade, but also a potential “clash of civilisations”.
Summary
PM Anwar Ibrahim and China President Xi Jinping are reflecting Asian wisdom in countering ‘lawless’ logic about tariffs, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke notes of ‘clash of civilisations’ that could bring devastating consequences to the world.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke waxed lyrical today about Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese President Xi Jinping - saying the two are reflecting Asian wisdom in countering “lawless logic” about tariffs.
In a veiled dig at the Donald Trump administration, Loke said that the irrational manipulation of tariff politics has raised concerns both about regression in global trade, but also a potential “clash of civilisations”.
“We are also deeply worried about the potential for a so-called ‘clash of civilisations’, which could bring devastating consequences to the world.
“Therefore, Anwar’s advocacy of an ‘Asian Renaissance’ and Xi’s efforts to build a ‘community with a shared future for mankind’ both reflect Asian wisdom and provide a counterbalance to the brutal and lawless logic of the law of the jungle,” he said in a statement today.
Xi will be arriving in Malaysia tomorrow for a three-day state visit. Loke has been appointed as the minister-in-attendance during Xi’s time here.
The visit coincides with the Trump administration imposing 145 percent tariffs on China exports, and China retaliating with a 125 percent tariff on US exports.
Trump, however, did exempt electronics from China - including smartphones and laptops - from the exorbitant tariffs, although they are still subject to existing levies.
Anwar has also been critical of the Trump administration originally imposing a 47 percent tariff on Malaysian goods, saying the math was flawed.
Trump has since paused tariff hikes on Malaysia and many other countries except China, to make room for negotiations.
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