The Chinese Ambassador to the United States has urged Washington to abandon what he calls "unilateral and protectionist practices". Cui Tiankai spoke while meeting with acting Secretary of State John Sullivan. Cui said China and the US should avoid a trade war, and that America should end the Section 301 investigation as early as possible. This comes after Wednesday's quick counter move by Beijing against the US' list of 50-billion dollars in duties on Chinese goods. Global markets have felt the jolt as trade tensions escalated. But the tariffs won't go into effect immediately, so there may be room to maneuver.