Jeffrey Sachs: "the first principle of international economics is mutual gain"

Our economy depends on China, their economy depends on us, not to every dollar or yuan, but for our prosperity, this has been a tremendously beneficial two-way trade. By the way, the first principle of international economics, which I have taught for 44 years, is mutual gain.  Trade is not about one side winning and the other side losing.  That's how generals think.  But economists say, "Trade is about mutual gain.  We get something, you get something.  And the United States has overall been enriched by China's rise. 

~ Jeffrey Sachs, "Harvard Economist Shocking Prediction for US China Relations in 2025," Cyrus Janssen, 10:25 mark, November 24, 2025