On December 5, People’s Daily Online commented on Trump’s irrational China bashing. In his two-part tweet, the U.S. President-elect wrote the following: “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 their country (the U.S. doesn't tax them) or to build a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea? I don't think so!

Many visitors to the website posted their comments and engaged with other visitors in discussion. Below are some of our readers’ comments.

One of the most replied to comments was by visitor Jin, who said it is laughable that a so-called businessman lacks basic knowledge about how business works. “He blames China for stealing [American] jobs. The fact is, American businessmen have always outsourced or bought goods from overseas,” Jin said. He said it is not China’s fault that American companies look to foreign countries such as China to maximize their profits. Texastea replied by saying Trump is wrong to accuse China of “raping” America. “It is the executives on Wall Street who send the jobs overseas where their products are cheaply produced and [then] sell them at a significant profit in the U.S,” texastea said, making the argument that Wall Street and corporate America are the ones “raping” ordinary American workers.

Some users debated Trump’s behavior and personality. Chinacandoit said Trump “is already starting to show his foolishness to the world,” adding that his stumbles are causing harm to America’s image. Wayne Young said Trump “barks just to hear himself bark,” and described his behavior toward China as “gangster” in nature. Huashen called Trump “narcissistic” and an “ego-maniac,” but cautioned about underestimating his political skills. Joseph Redpath disagreed, saying Trump’s personality combined with his hawkish inner cabinet choices is “a lethal and dangerous mix, if ever there was,” Joseph Redpath said.

Many visitors to the website did not understand why Trump would want to try to dictate Chinese policy. “Why should China ask Trump for ‘advice’ on its currency? I would not ask a monkey when I eat a waffle.” Jeffrey Wang said. In response, Jin said Trump is always shooting his mouth of about something without knowing the facts. “He is just trying to score points with some low information Americans to stir up populist sentiments,” Jin said, adding that the U.S. Treasury Department has already settled the issue. “This claim was debunked,” Jin said. Helen called Trump’s statement about China needing America’s permission to devalue its currency “a shameless and arrogant statement.”

Trump’s apparent lack of knowledge about foreign affairs and China was also an issue for many visitors to the website. Zhu said, “Donald Dump does not know China but he knows United Snakes [States] bankruptcy laws back to front and inside out,” referring to how Trump has used Chapter 11 to his corporate advantage. “Trump is just a businessman, not a politician,” Scst Sos said, adding that by treating him like a businessman, “Trump can be maneuvered easily at the tip of a finger.” Jin responded by saying that Trump “should learn some hard facts fast.” Jin added, “This is why China’s [National People’s Congress] only give[s] high positions to people with years of actual effective experience.” Virginia Rahn reminded Jin that Trump lost the popular vote and America remains split about Trump’s victory, adding that she worries about children in America being forced “to grow up in an unpredictable and fearful world so he and his family can make money.” Elaine Smith agreed on the popular vote issue. Trump “actually LOST the election by almost THREE MILLION popular votes,” Elaine Smith said.

Though Trump’s comments provoked quite a bit of outrage in China, some visitors to the People’s Daily Online website continue to view a Trump presidency as more favorable to China. Proud panda said Trump’s ignorance “can be tamed in China’s favor.” 

While other readers played down Trump's accusation. "The Trumps come and the Trumps go. The sun will rise tomorrow," said peye.

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Op-Ed: Trump's irrational China bashing shows his ignorance of China

The U.S. cannot (and should not) try to dictate the policy of another sovereign state. As a sovereign state, China sets its own policy and can retaliate if necessary.