Etiquette Lesson

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Some things to consider as the trade dispute between the U.S. and China plays out:

First, this is a matter of enormous importance for the community of business in Los Angeles – from the ports to movie producers, from skyscrapers downtown to scrap metal yards. We’re as tied into trade with China as any market anywhere.

That’s one good reason to refrain from calling this a trade “war.”

Here’s another – there are men and women in the armed service of our country in wars that are real even if they’ve never been formally declared as such by our government. The ongoing casualty toll is more than 6,600 killed and 51,000 wounded in the Iraqi and Afghani theaters of military operations combined.

That is war.

We’re in a dispute over commerce with China.

Our next point starts with a question: Have you noticed how engaged, polite and oftentimes charming many Chinese executives doing business in L.A. have remained against the backdrop of political posturing and diplomatic disputations between our two countries?

Is this a case of business folk getting on with life, looking to catch more flies with honey than vinegar? Or someone buying you lunch before they eat your lunch, to coin a phrase?

Let’s be clear in acknowledging that China is a commercial competitor of the U.S., and the same might be said in terms of geopolitics. China also engages is some trade practices that are arguably in violation of the spirt and/or letter of international treaties.

Let’s also note that – while trade between two countries is not necessarily a zero-sum game, and the U.S. derives many benefits from its more than $500 billion in annual trade with China – we do import far more than we export in terms of merchandise and commodities. And that has left some regions and cities and towns in this country hit hard, paying a steep price in terms of local economies and social fabrics in comparison with the net gains Los Angeles sees.

Where does all this leave businesses here who count on China for significant chunks of revenue and profits?

How should members of our community of business deal with engaged, polite and oftentimes charming counterparts from China as the Trump administration seems intent on ginning up a trade “war.”

We suggest that everyone keep in mind that there is no war – and that everyone back away from any conflation that puts doing business with China on par with fraternizing with an enemy.

Operate legally and ethically and loyally to the U.S. Consider your domestic colleagues, cohorts and even your competitors. A domestic market merits consideration and some protection besides tariffs and quotas and such – and that sometimes means old-fashioned sacrifice for a common goal.

Also consider your obligations to self, shareholders, customers, vendors and the rest of your commercial world. Disputes come and go, and Twitter topics trend and fade.

Good manners abide – and now is a good time to remain engaged, polite and even charming as this trade dispute grinds away.

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