, Columnist
Attacking China’s Tech Companies Will Backfire
Bankrupting ZTE and other big companies is a bad idea.
A little harsh.
Photographer: Johannes Eisele/AFP
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Inconsequential tariffs don’t cause trade wars; the U.S. bankrupting China’s technology companies just might.
Trade rhetoric between the countries will likely escalate, but the potential bankruptcy of ZTE Corp. after the U.S. banned exports to the company last month could turn out to be the shot that triggers the war. China would likely respond with a strong reprisal against U.S. companies operating on the mainland.