China-US Trade: Beijing critical of Washington's tariff threat

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01:59

Trade relations between China and the US have taken a sudden turn after Washington says it will go ahead with sanctions on Chinese goods. Beijing, meanwhile, has urged Washington to uphold the joint statement made in the US capital earlier this month. CGTN's Ma Ke has the story.

"Surprised, but not unexpected", this is China's response to the latest change in attitude from the US, which is fast developing a reputation of being capricious.

The Chinese commerce ministry said China is confident and capable of defending its national interests no matter what measures Washington takes.

Tuesday's statement by the White House saw a renewed threat to place 25% of tariffs on Chinese goods worth 50 billion US dollars.

This includes products related to the Made in China 2025 program, an initiative promoting the country's high-tech industries.

The statement also said the US will implement "specific investment restrictions and enhanced export controls" for Chinese individuals and entities related to technology in the coming weeks.

The list of goods subject to the tariff will be complete by June 15.

This statement cast a shadow onto bilateral relations which has been recovering ever since a joint statement was made in Washington early in May. Commerce officials from both sides had met to talk about trade tensions and reached several agreements.

China pledged to reduce the US trade deficit in goods and also increase purchases of US goods and services. Both sides agreed to improve protection of intellectual property rights and create a fair competition environment for businesses.

Analysts say the US move might just be a negotiating tactic. But they're also worried China will take this "good cop, bad cop" game as a hostile message and retaliate, bringing an end to the hard-earned halt on trade war.

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross is set to visit China next month. But it remains unclear whether that visit will restore trust and confidence.