In a remarkable ideological pivot, Beijing has deployed an unlikely weapon in its ongoing trade disputes with the United States: the founding father of modern capitalism himself, Adam Smith.
Chinese state media has launched a concerted campaign invoking Smith's seminal work, The Wealth of Nations, to paint China as the true champion of free trade while characterising former US President Donald Trump's policies as protectionist and economically harmful.
A Philosophical U-Turn
The strategy represents a stark departure from China's traditional communist rhetoric. Articles and commentaries published through official channels meticulously quote Smith's warnings against trade barriers and his advocacy for open markets.
This intellectual offensive appears directly aimed at countering Mr. Trump's frequent accusations of unfair trade practices against China. By leveraging Smith's authority, Beijing seeks to position itself on the morally and economically 'correct' side of the argument.
Weaponising The Wealth of Nations
The campaign meticulously references Smith's critique of monopolies and his belief that market freedom benefits all nations involved. Chinese commentators argue that Trump-era tariffs and the broader 'America First' agenda violate these core capitalist principles.
The subtext is clear: China, despite its socialist market economy, is now portrayed as a more faithful adherent to classical economic liberalism than the United States.
An Ideological Battle for the Global Stage
This move is seen by analysts as a sophisticated form of diplomatic jujitsu. By adopting the language of Western economic theory, China aims to:
- Neutralise criticism of its own trade policies.
- Appeal to international audiences and leaders who value free-market ideals.
- Frame the US-China trade relationship as a battle between enlightened globalism and narrow-minded protectionism.
The long-term success of this strategy remains uncertain. However, it undoubtedly marks a new chapter in the geopolitical war of ideas, where economic doctrines are wielded as deftly as tariffs in the pursuit of global influence.
