Summary
- China’s government actions are often criticized and seen as inexcusable
- The US government is not perfect either, with a series of bad events both at home and abroad
- Banning TikTok may not solve the manipulation problem as it happens on most social media platforms
- Alternative Chinese social media apps like RedNote are gaining popularity in the US
- Attempts to prevent the sale of Chinese EVs and cleantech products in the US may only buy time for improvements before Chinese industries take over
Article
The author expresses their concerns about the actions of China’s government, citing human rights violations and aggressive international behavior. However, they also acknowledge that the United States government is far from perfect and has its own controversies and issues. The attempt to ban TikTok by the US government is criticized as being shortsighted and potentially ineffective, given that manipulation on social media is a widespread issue that occurs on many platforms.
The article highlights the fact that social media manipulation from abroad is not limited to TikTok and exists on various platforms. The focus on banning TikTok as a solution to this problem is criticized for being unrealistic and ignoring the broader issue of internet regulation. The popularity of Chinese apps like RedNote in the US demonstrates that users are not willing to be restricted in their online interactions with Chinese users, indicating a desire for open communication.
The article emphasizes the futility of trying to ban Chinese social media apps, as users can easily bypass restrictions and new apps will continue to emerge. This reflects the sentiment of not wanting to be told what to do and the challenge of regulating the internet in the era of VPNs and constantly evolving technology. The discussion then shifts to the cleantech industry and the attempts to prevent the sale of Chinese EVs and solar products in the US, highlighting the need for realistic policies and acknowledging the demand for affordable and high-quality EVs.
Instead of relying solely on tariffs and subsidies to keep Chinese EVs out of the US market, the author argues for a more pragmatic approach that focuses on improving domestic production and competitiveness. The threat of the Chinese auto industry outpacing American manufacturers is recognized, and the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of the global market is emphasized. The article concludes by advocating for a more nuanced and forward-thinking strategy to address the challenges posed by international competition in the cleantech sector.
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