1、 The origin of the problem

Against the backdrop of the reform of the international economic and trade governance system, China needs to actively participate in the construction of international trade rules, but currently its role in innovatively leading rule making is limited. Power and rules coexist, and non-material discourse power such as soft power and cultural leadership play important roles in international relations. Symbolic power mobilizes public support through language and symbolic imagery, shaping others' understanding of the world. Its analytical advantage lies in focusing on legalization, the unconscious, and the establishment of symbols. Symbolic power has been studied in the fields of international relations and international law, but research on the formation of international trade rules is still insufficient. As a key creator of international trade rules, the United States' use of symbolic power has reference significance for China.

2、 Theoretical Framework: The Intrinsic Characteristics and Operating Mechanism of Symbolic Power

By analyzing Bourdieu's theory of symbolic power, this paper explores how the United States uses symbolic power to shape international trade rules. The inherent characteristics of symbolic power include: 1) using specific symbols as carriers, such as concepts like "democratic countries," to gather collective identity; 2) Having a certain degree of legitimacy, reducing resistance to exercise through authoritative institutions, etc; 3) Having substantial non neutrality, serving the self-interest of the power subject; 4) The ambiguity of symbolic connotations enables the subject of power to flexibly shape concepts; 5) The asymmetry of power among subjects, as well as the influence of material and soft power on the distribution of symbolic power.

3、 Empirical analysis: The United States shapes international rules with the symbol of "fair trade"

The United States uses the "fair trade" symbol to shape international rules in international trade, influencing the formation of international trade rules through symbol selection, concept classification, group classification, and institutionalization. The United States regards "fair trade" as the core symbol of its foreign economic and trade policy, and its connotation is adjusted according to changes in international and domestic situations. The United States uses the ambiguity, legitimacy, and power orientation of the "fair trade" symbol to promote the formulation and implementation of international trade rules.

4、 The Inspiration of American Symbolic Power Shaping International Trade Rules for China

Against the backdrop of global governance system reform, China needs to enhance its ability to participate in and lead the formulation of international economic and trade rules. China should integrate into the international community, eliminate misunderstandings, align with high standard economic and trade rules, and enhance its soft power. China needs to critically accept symbols from other countries, learn from the use of American symbol power, and strive for greater linguistic power. China should reflect on the non neutrality of symbols, reorganize the connotations of symbols such as "fair trade", accept reasonable parts, and build a compatible international standard system. At the same time, we should be vigilant against the abuse of US policies, propose the Chinese version of "fair trade", oppose absolute reciprocity standards, and achieve "de legitimization". China should use symbols and norms to counter the discriminatory practices of the United States and establish new flags and labels.

5、 Conclusion

Explored the role of symbolic power in international relations, particularly how the United States shapes international trade rules through the core political symbol of "fair trade". The United States uses this symbol to serve its national strategy, influence rule making and interpretation, and maintain an asymmetric international trade structure. At the same time, the article points out that China needs to enhance its ability in international economic and trade rule making, critically accept and learn from other countries' symbols, cultivate its own rule making ability, and play a greater role in international rule reconstruction and new rule making. The academic community should study how to choose appropriate symbols to guide the construction of rules, in order to promote institutional openness, achieve strategic goals, and protect core interests.