LONDON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- When countries disengage from trade, they tend to isolate themselves, exacerbating points of difference and increasing the risk of global conflict, said Ollie Shiell, CEO of the UK National Committee on China (UKNCC), in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday.

Commenting on the recent escalation of trade tariffs imposed by the United States, Shiell noted that historical evidence provides little support for tariffs as an effective tool for resolving international disagreements. On the contrary, such measures often lead to "a race to the bottom."

"I think U.S. President Donald Trump's approach is very blunt and chaotic. He could address the issue more constructively, rather than creating this massive global destabilization," said Shiell.

He argued that the tariffs have undermined the United States' global standing, as they compel other nations to reassess existing alliances, reconsider the established international rulebook, and determine where strategic alignment lies.

"Businesses need a plan, but it's very difficult to plan in this environment," Shiell added.

Shiell rejected the notion that globalization is in decline. "I think it's evolving, and it's evolving as a consequence of China's rise," he said.

Shiell emphasized that China now has a significant opportunity to demonstrate itself as a more responsible global actor compared to others. He described China as being more consistent, more predictable, and capable of generating value worldwide. "Therefore, I think that globalization will continue, but it will adapt according to the times," he added.

Moreover, Shiell highlighted China's potential contributions in key global areas such as trade, climate change, health, and artificial intelligence.

Reflecting on China's transformation over the past four decades, he remarked that the country has shifted "from factories to algorithms," describing its development as remarkable. Enditem

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