Japan’s finance minister and Chinese officials have pledged support for the multilateral system of global trade regulation ahead of a possible new round of U. S. tariff hikes in a battle over Beijing’s technology policy. Taro Aso, who was in Beijing for financial talks, made no mention of
Japan’s finance minister and Chinese officials have pledged support for the multilateral system of global trade regulation ahead of a possible new round of U. S. tariff hikes in a battle over Beijing’s technology policy.
Taro Aso, who was in Beijing for financial talks, made no mention of China’s tariff war with President Donald Trump but said Friday that the two sides agreed « protectionist measures » help no country.
Aso gave no indication whether they discussed Chinese industrial policies and curbs on foreign business that are the core of disputes with Washington, Europe and other trading partners.
Trump has raised tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese imports in a spiraling dispute over Beijing’s plans for state-led creation of champions in robotics and other fields and complaints the communist government steals or pressures companies to hand over technology.
The Trump administration is poised to impose penalties on an additional $200 billion of Chinese imports. Beijing has said it will retaliate.
Trump’s decision to take action under U. S. law instead of through the World Trade Organization prompted complaints from Japan, Europe and other American allies that he is undermining the global trading system.
