Over the last 40 years through the efforts of both sides, China and the US have gone from little mutual understanding and appreciation, to greater interaction in every sphere of life. This interaction has brought great benefit to both countries and their peoples. The relationship, however, is complex and of great importance. It is not surprising there would be setbacks and misunderstandings along the way. During this time I have witnessed great progress and many instances where dialogue and prolonged efforts have resolved difficult problems.

When there are not orderly mechanisms to resolve issues, the people of both countries will be hurt — as US farmers and purveyors of American specialty goods such as Kentucky bourbon are. In my own field, Chinese patients might not get the benefit of the latest technologies, because tariffs have made them prohibitively expensive. American consumers may also soon see their cost of living increase, because Chinese-made goods will become pricier.

The race to the bottom in a tariff war would hurt both countries and their people, and not solve the problems at hand.