US President Donald Trump on Monday defied warnings and escalated the trade confrontation with China, hitting the country with tariffs starting next week on another $200 billion in imports and threatening to target even more if Beijing retaliates.
Trump said China had refused to change the unfair practices that hurt US businesses and workers.
“For months, we have urged China to change these unfair practices and give fair and reciprocal treatment to American companies,” Trump said in a statement.
“These practices plainly constitute a grave threat to the long-term health and prosperity of the United States economy,” he said.
“But, so far, China has been unwilling to change its practices,” including theft and force transfer of technology.
