On Boycotting International Goods Because of Politics
By Dominique Wong
'Ask a Laobeijing' is a regular series where we chat with a laoren about their thoughts on different issues. This month, we meet meet Li, 70, enjoying the sun with his grandchild in Gulou.
What are your thoughts on boycotting another country’s goods because of political rifts?
I think boycotting another country’s goods is inappropriate. If you don’t buy their goods, they won’t buy your goods and, in the end, the economy suffers for it. It’s a form of squabbling which, over time, can become pretty ugly.
In the case of China and South Korea [the THAAD missile defense system], it’s the respective governments who have had a falling out. I don’t think the people should follow suit. We should buy whatever goods we feel are appropriate. Live the life you want, buy what you want. This isn’t an issue of patriotism. Who can bother themselves with so many problems?
I’ve never been to South Korea, but perhaps in the future when my grandchild is older we can go together. I don’t have any South Korean friends but if I did, these political issues wouldn't have any influence on our relationship.
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