For the real cause of rising tensions between the US and China, look no further than the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei and daughter of the company’s founder.
Detained at Washington’s request while in transit in Vancouver airport, Ms Meng faces extradition to the US on allegations of financial fraud related to the evasion of sanctions on the sale of high-tech equipment to Iran.
US President Donald Trump appears fixated on simple imbalances in the trade of goods with China, which have only increased since he launched the first salvos in his trade war this year. But the collection of China hawks around him are focused on something else — maintaining America’s position as the world’s pre-eminent technological superpower. Whether Mr Trump fully comprehends it or not, that is the real reason for the current trade war.