US-China trade war has had dire consequences on both nations

Our readers have their say on the US-China trade war, Brexit, and gun laws

US President Donald Trump meets with China's President Xi Jinping. REUTERS

This refers to Sholto Byrnes' opinion piece US must recognise Chinas' place in the world – as a responsible nation (December 11).

The ongoing trade war between the US and China has a global impact. This might have a direct influence on retail markets across the world, especially for Asian countries where Chinese products and services are seen as more competitive.

Just like the US has global business interests, China and other Asian countries like India are also trying their best to make it in a globalised economy. But it is more difficult to compete with cheaper products that cost even less to make.

If more than half of all Americans have an unfavourable view on China, this means that US President Donald Trump’s trade war has also become a war of influence and reputation.

I believe that all nations, not just China alone, deserve to be respected. This is the only way for us to look past our differences and seek peace and stability.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat

British expats in the UAE seem to be overwhelmingly against Brexit

I write to you in reference to Gillian Duncan's piece UK election 2019: How British residents in the UAE see the polls and politics (December 10).

Of six UAE residents picked to give a snap-shot of sentiment in the United Kingdom did not include a single voter who was pro-Brexit and against a break-up of the Union, an interesting selection given that the Conservative party espousing both these causes is going for sure to win the popular vote in this general election. Does this indicate that the British expatriate population in the UAE is all on the losing side in this election, or that The National has a particular editorial opinion?

Jonathan Campbell-James, Al Sufouh

The US needs tougher action against gun-related violence

I write to you in reference to your news item Jersey City shooting: Dramatic gun battle in New York suburb leaves six dead (December 11).

A total of 40,000 deaths could be attributed to firearms in 2017, an alarming number that signals a crisis. Instead of devoting more time and effort to combat this issue, democrats are busy trying to impeach Mr Trump. When will US authorities finally take a stance against guns?

K Ragavan, Bengaluru