That the former 'middle kingdom' has become increasingly assertive in global affairs is a fact that has found its best expression from President Xi Jinping's remarks that his country wants to reach an initial trade deal with the United States but is "not afraid" to fight back when necessary and will enact economic reforms at its own pace.

"As we always said we don't want to start the trade war but we are not afraid. When necessary we will fight back but we have been working actively to try not to have a trade war," according to Xi.

It is about time the US gave up its belligerence against world's second largest economy in the interest of its own economy which has come under new strains in recent years.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019