China Challenges West's 'Rules-Based Order': A Level Playing Field Demanded

China's Top Diplomat Challenges 'Rule-Based Order', Cites Huawei and ASML Cases In a recent address, Wu Hongbo, China's Special Representative for European Affairs, directly challenged the prevailing 'rule-based international order.' He argued that certain rules are selectively applied, creating an uneven playing field for Chinese companies. This statement comes amidst rising tensions between China and the West over trade and technology. Hongbo highlighted the cases of Huawei and ASML, two prominent companies facing restrictions in Western markets. He stated, "Take the famous case Huawei for example...they were not given a level playground." This suggests that China believes these restrictions are politically motivated rather than based on legitimate security concerns. Hongbo's remarks also criticized the concept of 'derisking,' a term often used in Europe to describe efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese technology. He pointed out that 'decoupling' originated in the US and 'derisking' in Europe, implying a concerted effort by the West to contain China's economic and technological growth. The Chinese official's comments underscore the growing challenges in establishing fair and transparent international trade practices. The need for a level playing field, free from political interference, remains a key concern for China and other nations seeking to engage in global commerce.