cable1_big.jpg In a reverse of events, China rejected goods imported from US companies amid claims that they do not meet safety and health standards. In what should be dubbed the ‘Ningbo and Shenzhen Raisin Party’, batches of health supplements and raisins shipped by three American companies were returned or destroyed because authorities in Ningbo and Shenzhen found unacceptable levels of bacteria and sulphur dioxide in them.

It seems China has learnt to play by the rules of the trade in an increasingly competitive global economy. It also reveals the hypocrisy if not vulnerability of the US to growing Asian economies. The world’s largest economy has twisted its rivals’ arms once too often and is now experiencing the excruciating pain of being manipulated. China’s move may be politically motivated but it has learnt its lesson well from its American counterparts. With India also digging in its feet against US manipulation and patronising rules, Asia seems to be flexing its muscles in a David against Goliath battle. India threatens to sue the US for copyright infringes on its ancient art of yoga. David may lose the battle at this stage but isn’t Goliath’s fall imminent?