American consumerism and Beijing’s ambitions

Re “China Stakes a Claim for Major Access to Oil Around the World,” July 17

China is out to gobble us up, according to some. Others worry that if we offend China it will close its markets to us. What is the solution to this conundrum? The American consumer is the solution, that’s who.

I try to avoid buying anything made in China. It isn’t easy because China supplies most of the shoes, shirts, leather goods, and has a growing presence in electronics and furniture.

However, if Americans would shun products made in China, U.S. companies using Chinese manufacturing facilities would be forced to go elsewhere. As the U.S. market for Chinese goods shrinks, China might be persuaded to reexamine its trade and currency policies.

Jack Bailey

Studio City

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I quote from the article about China’s quest for oil: “The U.S. Energy Department has recently opened an office in Beijing to discuss conservation and China’s quest for oil.” As we continue to manufacture large SUVs, isn’t this a case of “Do as I say, not as I do”?

Nate Rubin

Los Angeles