Don’t Fear China’s Boycott Threats
If history is any guide, the latest dispute over Taiwan will fizzle.
It’ll be fine.
Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg
The Chinese government has given the world's airlines until July 25 to recognize Taiwan as part of China. So far, Delta Air Lines Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc. are among the very last holdouts. According to Bloomberg News, if the companies don't comply, China could "prompt travelers from the mainland to boycott American airlines."
The airlines are understandably concerned about this threat, given that China is a key growth market. But the fears are overblown: Chinese consumer boycotts have historically been short-lived and relatively painless, and there's little reason to believe that this one will turn out any differently.