Tensions mount ahead of China-US trade talks in Washington

US President Donald Trump accused Beijing of breaking “the deal” on Wednesday, on the eve of talks with Chinese officials aimed at resolving their months-long trade dispute.  

“They broke the deal. So they are flying in, the vice premier tomorrow is flying in. Good man. But they broke the deal. They can’t do that. So they will be paying,” he told supporters at a rally in Florida.  

US officials have said China backed out of commitments already made in talks and have said the US will raise tariffs on 200 billion dollars’ worth of Chinese goods from 10 per cent to 25 per cent from Friday.  

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is to visit Washington for two days of negotiations starting Thursday, giving little wiggle room to fend off the tariff increase. Beijing has said it will impose “necessary countermeasures” if they are put into effect.  

But on Wednesday Trump said there was “no pressure” to make a deal.  

“They come in tomorrow and whatever happens don’t worry about it, it will work out,” he said.  

The US has accused China of unfair trade practices including intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers and favouring domestic firms over foreign companies.   

The heightened tariffs on Friday would affect goods such as telecom equipment, computer circuit boards and furniture. Besides, Trump has threatened to impose 25-per-cent duties on an additional 325 dollars’ worth of Chinese imports, which means virtually all of the US imports from China would be affected by tariffs.  

Washington/Beijing (dpa) 
May 9 2019