[Matl]

China banned them AFTER the US first banned them and then unbanned them and a series of unfriendly trade moves by the US.

This discussion where China is always purely dishonest, bad etc. without any context is honestly lame.

The Chinese ban is largely a political move designed to signal that they're not going to be pushed around. They pretty much know companies are using them, (and H100 in Thailand etc.) but as long as it sends a message and over time incentives domestic development, (which it does), then good as far as they're concerned.

It's certainly better than the EU just rolling over for King Donald, which as a EU citizen is embarrassing.

[sofixa]

> It's certainly better than the EU just rolling over for King Donald, which as a EU citizen is embarrassing.

I'm seeing it more as buying time thing. In sourcing as much as possible in the EU is already in progress, as well as various trade agreements with different countries and economic blocs. That doesn't mean it isn't preferable to play nice with the demented guy to make the transition less painful in the short term.

[Matl]

The problem is, the EU is damaging its relationships with countries like China and India etc. too, rather than building strategic alliances,

On diplomatic trips, it often 'lectures' others, rather than listens. I think the EU is less and less liked by these other countries too, which is a disastrous combination when coupled with where the US is at imo.

[sofixa]

> On diplomatic trips, it often 'lectures' others, rather than listens.

Like when?

[Matl]

i.e. https://responsiblestatecraft.org/kaja-kallas-history/ - or from the Chinese side https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202509/1342651.shtml

This is not good diplomacy.

[sofixa]

Chinese propaganda full of nonsense falsehoods isn't better diplomacy either.

> Guo noted that the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. 80 years ago, the Chinese people made tremendous national sacrifices to save human civilization

Lol, that particular part is hilarious. Imperial Japan wasn't drastically different in terms of governance compared to Chiang's or Mao's China. All three were pretty brutal anti-democratic regimes. Chiang had pretty clear fascist inspirations too.

> showed a lack of basic historical knowledge

Indeed, Chinese propaganda doesn't concern itself with historical knowledge. Those are the same people who imagine claims to half of Southeast Asia.

But China is a bit like Russia, their foreign minister blabbers nonsense, but that doesn't prevent actual trade or deal making.

[Matl]

I don't think I ever saw a more illiterate comment in my life.

[Paradigma11]

Especially since the demented guys public support seems to be in freefall. Why not wait a year and kick him when he is down on the ground.