Global Times: According to reports, French President Emmanuel Macron said on a visit in the US that the US’s Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act “will fragment the West because they create such differences between the US and Europe” and may hinder trans-Atlantic investment. Does China have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: I have noted relevant reports. The US legislation, designed to serve its own interests, shows no regard for other countries, not even its so-called allies and partners. This is yet another example of the US’s domineering America-first approach.

Lately several European leaders and officials have said that the US shouldn’t use the Inflation Reduction Act against friends, as it could result in a significant diversion of future investment away from Europe. The US calls Europe an important ally. But in reality, the US is letting Europe pay for the price in the crisis. There is no lack of such examples. For instance, as the US profiteers from the Ukraine crisis, Europe is bleeding from high inflation and soaring energy prices. Even to this day, Europe is still cleaning up the mess left behind by the US in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. It is not surprising that European press said Europeans need to ask themselves “why our peace and prosperity should be dependent on American interest?” This is indeed a question that Europe and the rest of the world need to be serious about.