What can the China trade talks teach us?

As the trade war between the United States and China intensifies this week (both countries going tit-for-tat with higher tariffs), leaders on both sides have discussed the need to be fair - putting a global spotlight on the value of 'fairness'. While neither side believes they are being treated fairly (the United States is unhappy with the way things have been and China isn't pleased with what President Trump has proposed changing) common ground between both nations lies in a mutual desire to be treated fairly. 

Today, President Trump said, "We're having a little squabble with China because we've been treated very unfairly for many, many decades, for actually a long time and it should have been handled a long time ago and it wasn't. And we'll handle it now."

However, today Geng Shuang, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said China feels it's been attacked. "We hope [the United States] can meet China halfway to strive together for a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement on the basis of mutual respect," said Shuang.

What is fair trade? According to the World Fair Trade Organization, "Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade." 

As pundits debate what is or isn't 'fair' on both sides, the global spotlight on the value of "fairness" invites us to as individuals consider 'fairness', whether we personally aim to be fair and what it would mean to be treated and/or treat others fairly as a result. 

Questions to consider: Do you value 'fairness'? How do you strive to be fair? Is it possible to put yourself first and yet be fair to others? What challenges have you faced when valuing 'fairness'?