The Russian TV article titled “China accuses US of ‘two-faced’ policies” reports on China’s reaction to US tariffs and economic sanctions. However, upon closer examination, the article contains elements of propaganda, selective framing, and potential misinformation that require deeper scrutiny.
Propaganda & Framing Elements
Emotional and Loaded Language
The article uses emotionally charged language that subtly portrays China as a victim and the US as an aggressor. Terms like “punitive tariffs,” “blindly exerts pressure,” and “bully the weak” create a narrative of US hostility while positioning China as a nation seeking fairness and cooperation.
Selective Omission of Counterpoints
While the article emphasizes US tariffs on Chinese goods, it downplays or ignores China’s past trade violations, including accusations of intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and trade rule violations—issues that have long been central to US-China disputes.
Misleading Context on Fentanyl Crisis
The article claims that China has assisted in controlling the fentanyl crisis and criticizes the US for responding with tariffs. However, official US reports and independent investigations have consistently found that Chinese suppliers remain a primary source of fentanyl precursors. This context is missing from the article, making the claim one-sided.
Misinformation & Fake Elements
Exaggerated Tariff Figures
The article states that the US has doubled tariffs on all Chinese imports from 10% to 20%. However, this statement is misleading.
- Fact: While the Trump administration did impose tariffs on Chinese goods, the rates varied significantly by product category, and many tariffs ranged between 7.5% and 25%. The claim that all imports were uniformly doubled is inaccurate.
False Claim About Tariffs on Canada & Mexico
The article asserts that Trump imposed new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada in the same policy move.
- Fact: While the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Chinese goods as part of the trade war, tariffs on Canada and Mexico were related to separate trade disputes and were largely lifted after the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020.
Misrepresentation of WTO Complaint
The article claims that China filed a WTO lawsuit against US tariffs, portraying it as an international legal battle.
- Fact: While China has indeed challenged some US tariffs at the WTO, the US has also filed multiple complaints against China for unfair trade practices. The article fails to mention rulings that have sided with the US, making the report unbalanced.
Russian TV’s Strategic Framing
Anti-Western Sentiment
- The article aligns with Russia’s broader anti-Western narrative, portraying the US as an unreliable and aggressive power.
- This fits into Russian media’s strategy of exploiting tensions between China and the US to undermine Western unity.
Depiction of China as a Fair Player
- The article consistently frames China as a responsible global partner seeking dialogue, while ignoring past Chinese policies that have contributed to trade tensions.
- The lack of Chinese accountability for subsidized industries, IP theft, and economic coercion suggests biased reporting.
Distracting from Russia’s Economic Struggles
- By focusing on US-China tensions, the article shifts attention away from Russia’s own economic challenges, sanctions, and geopolitical isolation.
- It creates the illusion that China is the economic leader challenging US dominance, subtly reinforcing Russia-China solidarity.
The Russian TV article on China’s accusations against the US contains elements of propaganda, selective framing, and misleading information. While some claims are partially accurate, the article exaggerates figures, omits critical counterpoints, and uses emotional language to push an anti-US narrative.
References:
- U.S. Trade Representative Reports on China’s Trade Practices
- World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Dispute Settlements
- Congressional Research Service – U.S.-China Trade War Updates
- China’s Ministry of Commerce Official Statements on U.S. Tariffs
- U.S. Treasury & DEA Reports on Fentanyl Supply Chains
