The United State remains highly concerned with China's continued militarisation in the South China Sea and its predatory economic behaviour, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-be-intimidated-south-china-sea-us-vp-pence-tell-china-169406">We will not be intimidated in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-be-intimidated-south-china-sea-us-vp-pence-tell-china-169406">South</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-be-intimidated-south-china-sea-us-vp-pence-tell-china-169406"> China Sea, says US VP Pence to tell China</a>

"We remain highly concerned with continued militarisation of features in the South China Sea. Plus, we look at what we consider to be almost predatory -- in some cases certainly predatory economic behaviour...," Mattis told reporters travelling with him to Vietnam.

Referring to the major policy speech of vice-president Mike Pence last week, Mattis said the Trump administration seeks a relationship with China that's grounded in fairness, reciprocity and respect for sovereignty. That means respect for international rules and for all nations' sovereignty, whether they're large or small, he said.

"So, we're two large powers, or two Pacific powers, two economic powers. There's going to be times we step on each other's toes, so we're going to have to find a way to productively manage our relationship. And the military relationship is to be a stabilising force in the relations between the two countries," Mattis said.

Responding to a question, Mattis said the US is not looking for a confrontation with China. "We are not seeing a more military, confrontational approach vis-a-vis China," he said when asked about the recent incident involving Americans and the Chinese in the South China Sea.

"In the South China Sea, over many American administrations, we have said that in international airspace, international waters, we will fly or sail. You've seen that continue. And my relationship with my counterpart has in no way changed over this," he said.

Mattis said that Pence in his speech reiterated the position that US will cooperate with China where it can.&nbsp;

"We are looking for ways to cooperate more. We've seen that cooperation manifested in the most blunt terms with three unanimous UN Security Council resolutions on sanctions on North Korea, and that's where we're voting in alignment with each other," he said.

"And then you're seeing, too, that we continue to sail through areas, but even if you go back to when President Obama and President Xi were meeting in the Rose Garden, President Xi vowed that he would not militarise the Spratly Islands for example. That happened, but our policy has not changed, we do not accept that. So no one nation can change the international rules of the road," he asserted.

Mattis argued that there is no increase in military confrontation, but it is a continuation of a longstanding American policy: international rule of law, prosperity for all nations, sail wherever they wish in international waters, and respect the sovereignty of all nations, peaceful resolution of disputes through international tribunals.

After Vietnam, Mattis would travel to Singapore to attend the ASEAN Defense Ministers meeting.&nbsp;

The United State remains highly concerned with China's continued militarisation in the South China Sea and its predatory economic behaviour, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said Monday.

The United State remains highly concerned with China's continued militarisation in the South China Sea and its predatory economic behaviour, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said Monday. We will not be intimidated in South China Sea, says US VP Pence to tell China "We remain highly concerned with continued militarisation of features in the South China Sea. Plus, we look at what we consider to be almost predatory -- in some cases certainly predatory economic behaviour...," Mattis told reporters travelling with him to Vietnam. Referring to the major policy speech of vice-president Mike Pence last week, Mattis said the Trump administration seeks a relationship with China that's grounded in fairness, reciprocity and respect for sovereignty. That means respect for international rules and for all nations' sovereignty, whether they're large or small, he said. "So, we're two large powers, or two Pacific powers, two economic powers. There's going to be times we step on each other's toes, so we're going to have to find a way to productively manage our relationship. And the military relationship is to be a stabilising force in the relations between the two countries," Mattis said. Responding to a question, Mattis said the US is not looking for a confrontation with China. "We are not seeing a more military, confrontational approach vis-a-vis China," he said when asked about the recent incident involving Americans and the Chinese in the South China Sea. "In the South China Sea, over many American administrations, we have said that in international airspace, international waters, we will fly or sail. You've seen that continue. And my relationship with my counterpart has in no way changed over this," he said. Mattis said that Pence in his speech reiterated the position that US will cooperate with China where it can. "We are looking for ways to cooperate more. We've seen that cooperation manifested in the most blunt terms with three unanimous UN Security Council resolutions on sanctions on North Korea, and that's where we're voting in alignment with each other," he said. "And then you're seeing, too, that we continue to sail through areas, but even if you go back to when President Obama and President Xi were meeting in the Rose Garden, President Xi vowed that he would not militarise the Spratly Islands for example. That happened, but our policy has not changed, we do not accept that. So no one nation can change the international rules of the road," he asserted. Mattis argued that there is no increase in military confrontation, but it is a continuation of a longstanding American policy: international rule of law, prosperity for all nations, sail wherever they wish in international waters, and respect the sovereignty of all nations, peaceful resolution of disputes through international tribunals. After Vietnam, Mattis would travel to Singapore to attend the ASEAN Defense Ministers meeting.

Concerned over South China Sea militarisation but don't see confrontation with China: Mattis

What do we have to truly fear about President Donald Trump? Early October he pulled off the successful re-negotiation of the North America Free Trade area. Pundits thought, with Canada refusing to bend, it could not happen. Maybe the deal now leans more in America’s direction, but Trump has also given something away: The right of Mexico and Canada to sell their trucks and cars more easily in the US. He said he’s a great “deal-maker”, and so this time he is.

His trade tussle with China, which looks to be a stand-off at the moment, has not yet led to a breakdown in relations. Trump has been more than careful to keep direct channels open to President Xi Jinping, even if in early October he became more openly critical and personal. He has treated Xi much better than he treated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada.

Nevertheless, the fact is the Chinese have taken advantage of the US, ignoring its copyrights, blatantly reverse engineering expensive US products and subsidising exports. Trump goes too far with his demands, but he is on firm enough ground to force the Chinese to re-think some of their policies. He’s making progress.

Likewise, while being tough on Russia, ratcheting up sanctions, sending modern arms to Ukraine, increasing defence spending and standing back from the cuts in nuclear weapons that President Vladimir Putin has suggested, he keeps his personal channels open to Putin, unlike President Barack Obama. Later he may reap the harvest of this. Russian politics is very personal under Putin.

With North Korea, he appears to have flattered President Kim Jong-un to the point where Kim shows his constructive side to Trump. Progress is being made on nuclear disarmament even if it’s not at the rate the foreign policy establishment wants.

Nevertheless, for all this, the fact is that Trump is a man with an ugly personality, as ugly in its way as Kim. Sometimes one can imagine, if he wasn’t constrained by law, he would execute some of his enemies as Kim has done.

His staff find he’s impossible to deal with although he gets important things done.

After reading Bob Woodward’s new book Fear: Trump in the White House, one realises that Woodward gives little space to Trump’s achievements, and his interviews and re-creations of real-life scenes are nearly all orientated in a critical direction.

Woodward has painted a picture of a sordid man, full of quite disgusting profanities and untruths that he aims at his staff and many of those who do business with him with hourly regularity. (If the women in his “base” could hear these, many would be shocked).

It’s a fine book, researched in the most intimate and thorough way. One doesn’t doubt its veracity. Quite a bit of it we have read in the newspapers already over the last two years, but even then Woodward gets deeper inside the man, the policy-making, and how it’s implemented. He’s the best fly on the wall anyone could ask for.

There are, too, whole chapters where Woodward writes about startling things we’ve not known about. Again and again, in order to keep the US on a sensible course in its policies for trade, foreign relations and financial affairs, his staff have to secretly remove from his desk papers waiting to be signed. This choleric man is so seized up by the next crisis or what appears as an affront that he forgets he asked for them.

Time and time again, his staff are courageous, offering the president clever analysis, despite his constant put downs. He tells them it’s bullshit and that he’s held his views on this or that for over 30 years and he’s not going to change. Amazingly, they argue back, and he lets them — up to a point. In his way, he accepts a lot of talk-back and even verbal insubordination, but then gives the staffer hell.

There is insubordination behind his back, too. On one occasion, when discussing President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Trump said to General James Mattis, the Defence Secretary, “Let’s go in, let’s fucking kill him.” “Yes”, Mattis said, “I will get right on it.” He hung up the phone. “We’re not going to do any of that,” he told a senior aide.

When the North Korea crisis first blew up, Mattis made it clear he didn’t want war. His view was that North Korea could be contained.

Ironically, as with North Korea latterly, Trump in some areas of policy can have non-warlike instincts. He argued hard with the military until they persuaded him otherwise, that the US should totally withdraw from Afghanistan.

Where this story ends nobody knows. Woodward for one doesn’t advocate impeachment but by the end of the book it hangs in the air. Who really wants such a volatile, unhinged and amoral man to have his finger on the nuclear button?

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-notoriously-difficult-to-deal-with-trump-gets-work-done-2675381">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What do we have to truly fear about President Donald Trump? Early October he pulled off the successful re-negotiation of the North America Free Trade area. Pundits thought, with Canada refusing to bend, it could not happen.

What do we have to truly fear about President Donald Trump? Early October he pulled off the successful re-negotiation of the North America Free Trade area. Pundits thought, with Canada refusing to bend, it could not happen. Maybe the deal now leans more in America’s direction, but Trump has also given something away: The right of Mexico and Canada to sell their trucks and cars more easily in the US. He said he’s a great “deal-maker”, and so this time he is. His trade tussle with China, which looks to be a stand-off at the moment, has not yet led to a breakdown in relations. Trump has been more than careful to keep direct channels open to President Xi Jinping, even if in early October he became more openly critical and personal. He has treated Xi much better than he treated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. Nevertheless, the fact is the Chinese have taken advantage of the US, ignoring its copyrights, blatantly reverse engineering expensive US products and subsidising exports. Trump goes too far with his demands, but he is on firm enough ground to force the Chinese to re-think some of their policies. He’s making progress. Likewise, while being tough on Russia, ratcheting up sanctions, sending modern arms to Ukraine, increasing defence spending and standing back from the cuts in nuclear weapons that President Vladimir Putin has suggested, he keeps his personal channels open to Putin, unlike President Barack Obama. Later he may reap the harvest of this. Russian politics is very personal under Putin. With North Korea, he appears to have flattered President Kim Jong-un to the point where Kim shows his constructive side to Trump. Progress is being made on nuclear disarmament even if it’s not at the rate the foreign policy establishment wants. Nevertheless, for all this, the fact is that Trump is a man with an ugly personality, as ugly in its way as Kim. Sometimes one can imagine, if he wasn’t constrained by law, he would execute some of his enemies as Kim has done. His staff find he’s impossible to deal with although he gets important things done. After reading Bob Woodward’s new book Fear: Trump in the White House, one realises that Woodward gives little space to Trump’s achievements, and his interviews and re-creations of real-life scenes are nearly all orientated in a critical direction. Woodward has painted a picture of a sordid man, full of quite disgusting profanities and untruths that he aims at his staff and many of those who do business with him with hourly regularity. (If the women in his “base” could hear these, many would be shocked). It’s a fine book, researched in the most intimate and thorough way. One doesn’t doubt its veracity. Quite a bit of it we have read in the newspapers already over the last two years, but even then Woodward gets deeper inside the man, the policy-making, and how it’s implemented. He’s the best fly on the wall anyone could ask for. There are, too, whole chapters where Woodward writes about startling things we’ve not known about. Again and again, in order to keep the US on a sensible course in its policies for trade, foreign relations and financial affairs, his staff have to secretly remove from his desk papers waiting to be signed. This choleric man is so seized up by the next crisis or what appears as an affront that he forgets he asked for them. Time and time again, his staff are courageous, offering the president clever analysis, despite his constant put downs. He tells them it’s bullshit and that he’s held his views on this or that for over 30 years and he’s not going to change. Amazingly, they argue back, and he lets them — up to a point. In his way, he accepts a lot of talk-back and even verbal insubordination, but then gives the staffer hell. There is insubordination behind his back, too. On one occasion, when discussing President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Trump said to General James Mattis, the Defence Secretary, “Let’s go in, let’s fucking kill him.” “Yes”, Mattis said, “I will get right on it.” He hung up the phone. “We’re not going to do any of that,” he told a senior aide. When the North Korea crisis first blew up, Mattis made it clear he didn’t want war. His view was that North Korea could be contained. Ironically, as with North Korea latterly, Trump in some areas of policy can have non-warlike instincts. He argued hard with the military until they persuaded him otherwise, that the US should totally withdraw from Afghanistan. Where this story ends nobody knows. Woodward for one doesn’t advocate impeachment but by the end of the book it hangs in the air. Who really wants such a volatile, unhinged and amoral man to have his finger on the nuclear button? (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Notoriously difficult to deal with, Trump gets work done

A Chinese warship sailed within yards of an American destroyer -- forcing it to change course -- in an "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter as the US vessel was in contested waters in the South China Sea, an official said Monday.

The USS Decatur guided-missile destroyer was conducting what the military calls a "freedom of navigation operation" Sunday, when it passed within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson reefs in the remote Spratly Islands.

The 12-mile distance is commonly accepted as constituting the territorial waters of a landmass.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it.&nbsp;

Beijing claims all of the Spratlys and has built a number of military installations on the islands.

During the operation, a Chinese Luyang destroyer approached the USS Decatur in "an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre in the vicinity of Gaven Reef in the South China Sea," US Pacific Fleet spokesman Commander Nate Christensen said.

The Chinese ship then conducted a series of "increasingly aggressive manoeuvres, and warned the Decatur to depart the area," he added.

The Chinese "destroyer approached within 45 yards (meters) of Decatur's bow, after which Decatur manoeuvred to prevent a collision."

In a statement, the Chinese Ministry of Defense said that its ship had "given a warning to leave" to the vessel after it entered the area "without permission."

"The US has repeatedly sent warships into the territorial waters near Chinese reefs and islands in the South China Sea," it said.

The behaviour "gravely threatens China's sovereignty and security, gravely damages relations between China and the US and their militaries, and gravely injures regional peace and stability."

US-Chinese relations have been strained on multiple levels since Donald Trump became president in 2017.

A trade war launched by Trump has infuriated Beijing, as did his authorization of a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China considers a rebel province.

Washington last week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports.

China has taken a series of retaliatory measures, including scrapping a US warship's planned port visit to Hong Kong and cancelling a meeting between the head of the Chinese navy and his American counterpart.

On Monday, a US defence official said that security talks due to take place later this month in Beijing between Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and his Chinese counterpart had been cancelled.

A Chinese warship sailed within yards of an American destroyer -- forcing it to change course -- in an "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter as the US vessel was in contested waters in the South China Sea, an official said Monday.

A Chinese warship sailed within yards of an American destroyer -- forcing it to change course -- in an "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter as the US vessel was in contested waters in the South China Sea, an official said Monday. The USS Decatur guided-missile destroyer was conducting what the military calls a "freedom of navigation operation" Sunday, when it passed within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson reefs in the remote Spratly Islands. The 12-mile distance is commonly accepted as constituting the territorial waters of a landmass. China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing claims all of the Spratlys and has built a number of military installations on the islands. During the operation, a Chinese Luyang destroyer approached the USS Decatur in "an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre in the vicinity of Gaven Reef in the South China Sea," US Pacific Fleet spokesman Commander Nate Christensen said. The Chinese ship then conducted a series of "increasingly aggressive manoeuvres, and warned the Decatur to depart the area," he added. The Chinese "destroyer approached within 45 yards (meters) of Decatur's bow, after which Decatur manoeuvred to prevent a collision." In a statement, the Chinese Ministry of Defense said that its ship had "given a warning to leave" to the vessel after it entered the area "without permission." "The US has repeatedly sent warships into the territorial waters near Chinese reefs and islands in the South China Sea," it said. The behaviour "gravely threatens China's sovereignty and security, gravely damages relations between China and the US and their militaries, and gravely injures regional peace and stability." US-Chinese relations have been strained on multiple levels since Donald Trump became president in 2017. A trade war launched by Trump has infuriated Beijing, as did his authorization of a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China considers a rebel province. Washington last week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports. China has taken a series of retaliatory measures, including scrapping a US warship's planned port visit to Hong Kong and cancelling a meeting between the head of the Chinese navy and his American counterpart. On Monday, a US defence official said that security talks due to take place later this month in Beijing between Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and his Chinese counterpart had been cancelled.

Chinese destroyer extremely close to US warship: US

The Chinese defence ministry on Thursday denounced flyovers by US B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and East China Sea as "provocative" actions amid soaring tensions between the two global powers.

The Pentagon said Wednesday the heavy bombers had taken part in a combined operation with Japan over the East China Sea and had flown through international airspace over the South China Sea a day before.

"Regarding the provocative actions of US military aircraft in the South China Sea, we are always resolutely opposed to them, and will continue to take necessary measures in order to strongly handle (this issue)," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told a monthly news briefing.&nbsp;

China has claimed large swaths of the strategic waterway and built up a series of islands and maritime features, turning them into military facilities.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims to the region, and an international maritime tribunal ruled in 2016 that China's claims have no legal basis.

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said this week's flights were part of "regularly scheduled operations."

The United States rejects China's territorial claims and routinely says the military will "continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows at times and places of our choosing."

Washington this week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports while it last week sanctioned a Chinese military organisation for buying Russian weapons.&nbsp;

China has reacted angrily, and this week scrapped a US warship's planned port visit to Hong Kong and cancelled a meeting between the head of the Chinese navy and his American counterpart.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he was not concerned the US transit flights would increase tensions with China.

"If it was 20 years ago and they have not militarised those features there, it would have just been another bomber on its way to Diego Garcia or whatever," he told Pentagon reporters, referring to the US military base in the Indian Ocean.

"So there's nothing out of the ordinary about it, nor about our ships sailing through there."

The Pentagon chief went on to say there is no "fundamental shift in anything."

"We're just going through one of those periodic points where we've got to learn to manage our differences," he said.

The Chinese defence ministry on Thursday denounced flyovers by US B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and East China Sea as "provocative" actions amid soaring tensions between the two global powers.

The Chinese defence ministry on Thursday denounced flyovers by US B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and East China Sea as "provocative" actions amid soaring tensions between the two global powers. The Pentagon said Wednesday the heavy bombers had taken part in a combined operation with Japan over the East China Sea and had flown through international airspace over the South China Sea a day before. "Regarding the provocative actions of US military aircraft in the South China Sea, we are always resolutely opposed to them, and will continue to take necessary measures in order to strongly handle (this issue)," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told a monthly news briefing. China has claimed large swaths of the strategic waterway and built up a series of islands and maritime features, turning them into military facilities. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims to the region, and an international maritime tribunal ruled in 2016 that China's claims have no legal basis. Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said this week's flights were part of "regularly scheduled operations." The United States rejects China's territorial claims and routinely says the military will "continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows at times and places of our choosing." Washington this week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports while it last week sanctioned a Chinese military organisation for buying Russian weapons. China has reacted angrily, and this week scrapped a US warship's planned port visit to Hong Kong and cancelled a meeting between the head of the Chinese navy and his American counterpart. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he was not concerned the US transit flights would increase tensions with China. "If it was 20 years ago and they have not militarised those features there, it would have just been another bomber on its way to Diego Garcia or whatever," he told Pentagon reporters, referring to the US military base in the Indian Ocean. "So there's nothing out of the ordinary about it, nor about our ships sailing through there." The Pentagon chief went on to say there is no "fundamental shift in anything." "We're just going through one of those periodic points where we've got to learn to manage our differences," he said.

China denounces flyovers by US B-52 bombers over the South China Sea 

The US State Department today issued a <a href="http://wionews.com/world/china-says-no-clue-on-mystery-illness-striking-us-diplomats-142906">health warning in China after recalling several diplomats </a>over mysterious illness&nbsp;that has already hit US diplomats in Cuba.

The warning issued this time was for the<a href="http://wionews.com/world/diplomats-brought-back-from-china-due-to-mystery-illness-us-142708"> entire Chinese region after a previous</a> warning last month had mentioned China's southern city of Guangzhou.

"The State Department received medical confirmation that a US government employee in China suffered a medical incident consistent with what other US government personnel experienced in Havana, Cuba," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

On Wednesday, the US had called back several diplomats in China after they "suffered a medical incident". The US government also deployed a team in the consulate to screen employees and family members of diplomats.

Apart from Beijing, the US has consulates in other Chinese cities namely Chengdu, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan.

The statement by Pompeo warned of &nbsp;"unexplained physical symptoms or events, auditory or sensory phenomena", and said symptoms included dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, ear complaints, hearing loss and sleeping difficulty.

China's foreign office spokesman&nbsp;Hua Chunying said the US government had not made any formal communication on new cases, adding that it had investigated other cases and found no clues.

Last year, 24 US government employees and family members in Cuba displayed systems which suggested concussion and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department.

China's foreign office spokesman Hua Chunying the US government had not made any formal communication on new cases

The US State Department today issued a health warning in China after recalling several diplomats over mysterious illness that has already hit US diplomats in Cuba. The warning issued this time was for the entire Chinese region after a previous warning last month had mentioned China's southern city of Guangzhou. "The State Department received medical confirmation that a US government employee in China suffered a medical incident consistent with what other US government personnel experienced in Havana, Cuba," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. On Wednesday, the US had called back several diplomats in China after they "suffered a medical incident". The US government also deployed a team in the consulate to screen employees and family members of diplomats. Apart from Beijing, the US has consulates in other Chinese cities namely Chengdu, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan. The statement by Pompeo warned of "unexplained physical symptoms or events, auditory or sensory phenomena", and said symptoms included dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, ear complaints, hearing loss and sleeping difficulty. China's foreign office spokesman Hua Chunying said the US government had not made any formal communication on new cases, adding that it had investigated other cases and found no clues. Last year, 24 US government employees and family members in Cuba displayed systems which suggested concussion and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department.

US issues health warning in China after diplomats hit with mystery illness

China warned the United States on Sunday that any agreements reached on trade and business between the two countries will be void if Washington implements tariffs and other trade measures, as the two ended their latest round of talks in Beijing.

A short statement, carried by the official Xinhua news agency, made no mention of any specific new agreements after US&nbspCommerce Secretary Wilbur Ross met Chinese Vice Premier Liu He.

It referred instead to a consensus they reached last month in Washington, when China agreed to significantly increase its purchases of US&nbspgoods and services.

"The two sides had good communication about implementing the consensus reached in Washington and on many areas such as agriculture and energy, achieving positive and concrete progress," the state news agency said, adding details would be subject to "final confirmation by both parties".

The United States and China have threatened tit-for-tat tariffs on goods worth up to $150 billion each.

Xinhua said China's attitude has been consistent, which is that it is willing to increase imports from all countries, including the United States.

"Reform and opening up and expanding domestic demand are China's national strategies. Our established rhythm will not change," it added.

"The achievements reached by China and the United States should be based on the premise that the two sides should meet each other halfway and not fight a trade war," Xinhua said.

"If the United States introduces trade sanctions including tariffs, all the economic and trade achievements negotiated by the two parties will be void."

There was no immediate comment or statement from the US&nbspdelegation or from Ross himself.

At the end of last month's Washington talks the two countries put out a joint statement.

But just when it appeared a trade truce between the two economic heavyweights was on the cards, the White House last week warned it would pursue tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, as well as impose restrictions on Chinese investments in the United States and tighter export controls.

Ross arrived in Beijing on Saturday for talks after the Trump administration renewed tariff threats against China, and with key US&nbspallies in a foul mood towards Washington after they were hit with duties on steel and aluminium.

<a href="wionews.com/world/frank-trade-discussions-in-beijing-us-commerce-secretary-141888">Friendly and frank</a>

Addressing Liu earlier in the day, Ross praised the tone of their interactions.

"Our meetings so far have been friendly and frank, and covered some useful topics about specific export items," Ross said, in brief comments before reporters.

Liu spoke only to welcome Ross.

Neither man has made any other comments to the media.

Ross is expected to leave Beijing later on Sunday.

Liu, a Harvard-trained economist who is a trusted confidant of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is China's chief negotiator in the trade dispute.

US&nbspTreasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday the United States wanted this weekend's talks to result in structural changes to China's economy, in addition to increased Chinese purchases of American goods.

The purchases are partly aimed at shrinking the $375 billion US&nbspgoods trade deficit with China.

Mnuchin, speaking at a G7 finance leaders meeting in Canada where he was the target of US&nbspallies' anger over steel and aluminium tariffs, said the China talks would cover other issues, including the Trump administration's desire to eliminate Chinese joint venture requirements and other policies that effectively force technology transfers.

"I want to be clear, this isn't just about buying more goods, this is about structural changes," Mnuchin said.

"But I also fundamentally believe that if there are structural changes that allow our companies to compete fairly, by definition, that will deal with the trade deficit alone."

The US&nbspdelegation at the Beijing talks included Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs David Malpass, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, and United States Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator Gregg Doud.

Other officials and technical experts from the Department of Commerce, Department of Treasury, United States Trade Representative, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Energy also took part, the White House said.

China's delegation included central bank governor Yi Gang, Commerce Minister Zhong Shan, and Ning Jizhe, a deputy head of the powerful planning body the National Development and Reform Commission.

Ross, who was preceded in Beijing last week by more than 50 US&nbspofficials, is expected during the two-day visit to try to secure long-term purchases of US&nbspfarm and energy commodities to help shrink the US&nbsptrade deficit.

The US&nbspteam also wants to secure greater intellectual property protection and an end to Chinese subsidies that have contributed to overproduction of steel and aluminium.

China warned the United States on Sunday that any agreements reached on trade and business between the two countries will be void if Washington implements tariffs and other trade measures, as the two ended their latest round of talks in Beijing

China warned the United States on Sunday that any agreements reached on trade and business between the two countries will be void if Washington implements tariffs and other trade measures, as the two ended their latest round of talks in Beijing. A short statement, carried by the official Xinhua news agency, made no mention of any specific new agreements after US&nbspCommerce Secretary Wilbur Ross met Chinese Vice Premier Liu He. It referred instead to a consensus they reached last month in Washington, when China agreed to significantly increase its purchases of US&nbspgoods and services. "The two sides had good communication about implementing the consensus reached in Washington and on many areas such as agriculture and energy, achieving positive and concrete progress," the state news agency said, adding details would be subject to "final confirmation by both parties". The United States and China have threatened tit-for-tat tariffs on goods worth up to $150 billion each. Xinhua said China's attitude has been consistent, which is that it is willing to increase imports from all countries, including the United States. "Reform and opening up and expanding domestic demand are China's national strategies. Our established rhythm will not change," it added. "The achievements reached by China and the United States should be based on the premise that the two sides should meet each other halfway and not fight a trade war," Xinhua said. "If the United States introduces trade sanctions including tariffs, all the economic and trade achievements negotiated by the two parties will be void." There was no immediate comment or statement from the US&nbspdelegation or from Ross himself. At the end of last month's Washington talks the two countries put out a joint statement. But just when it appeared a trade truce between the two economic heavyweights was on the cards, the White House last week warned it would pursue tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, as well as impose restrictions on Chinese investments in the United States and tighter export controls. Ross arrived in Beijing on Saturday for talks after the Trump administration renewed tariff threats against China, and with key US&nbspallies in a foul mood towards Washington after they were hit with duties on steel and aluminium. Friendly and frank Addressing Liu earlier in the day, Ross praised the tone of their interactions. "Our meetings so far have been friendly and frank, and covered some useful topics about specific export items," Ross said, in brief comments before reporters. Liu spoke only to welcome Ross. Neither man has made any other comments to the media. Ross is expected to leave Beijing later on Sunday. Liu, a Harvard-trained economist who is a trusted confidant of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is China's chief negotiator in the trade dispute. US&nbspTreasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday the United States wanted this weekend's talks to result in structural changes to China's economy, in addition to increased Chinese purchases of American goods. The purchases are partly aimed at shrinking the $375 billion US&nbspgoods trade deficit with China. Mnuchin, speaking at a G7 finance leaders meeting in Canada where he was the target of US&nbspallies' anger over steel and aluminium tariffs, said the China talks would cover other issues, including the Trump administration's desire to eliminate Chinese joint venture requirements and other policies that effectively force technology transfers. "I want to be clear, this isn't just about buying more goods, this is about structural changes," Mnuchin said. "But I also fundamentally believe that if there are structural changes that allow our companies to compete fairly, by definition, that will deal with the trade deficit alone." The US&nbspdelegation at the Beijing talks included Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs David Malpass, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, and United States Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator Gregg Doud. Other officials and technical experts from the Department of Commerce, Department of Treasury, United States Trade Representative, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Energy also took part, the White House said. China's delegation included central bank governor Yi Gang, Commerce Minister Zhong Shan, and Ning Jizhe, a deputy head of the powerful planning body the National Development and Reform Commission. Ross, who was preceded in Beijing last week by more than 50 US&nbspofficials, is expected during the two-day visit to try to secure long-term purchases of US&nbspfarm and energy commodities to help shrink the US&nbsptrade deficit. The US&nbspteam also wants to secure greater intellectual property protection and an end to Chinese subsidies that have contributed to overproduction of steel and aluminium.

China warns US won't get trade benefits if tariffs implemented as talks end

As tensions between US and China escalate <a href="http://wionews.com/world/philippines-says-ready-for-war-if-troops-harmed-in-disputed-south-china-sea-140935">over military drills in the South China Sea</a>, Lt. General Kenneth McKenzie, director of the US Joint Staff, said the US has a&nbsp;lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands.

"I would just say that the United States military's had a lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands," Lieutenant General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr said.&nbsp;

The general referring to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-see-freedom-of-navigation-so-will-continue-operations-in-south-china-sea-us-140778">World War II campaign when the</a> US forces freed pacific islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa from the Japanese army, added that, "One shouldn't read anything more into that than a simple statement of historical fact."

In keeping with its larger foreign policy interests in the Pacific, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis met with &nbsp;Vietnam's Defence Minister, Ngô Xuân Lịch, on the sidelines of the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in order to reinforce Vietnam's "sovereignty over its own future".

China and the US have been trading barbs over the South China Sea conducting military drills close to disputed waters. The islands which have a significant strategic advantage are claimed by China, which is also contested by other countries in the region namely - Indonesia, &nbsp;Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The US has stationed two fleets in the Western Pacific with South China becoming a major flashpoint between China and the US. China has been bringing up artificial islands in the area, claiming it as their own complete with airstrips and surveillance equipment scaring other countries in the region.

The US aircraft carriers with F-18 Hornet, guided missiles and helicopters have been conducting sorties in the South China Sea while keeping a tab on the Chinese Air Force.

China for its part hit out against the US policy in the South China Sea saying, "who is really promoting 'militarisation' in the South China Sea? You can sharpen your eyes, and the answer is there without saying."&nbsp;

"Some people of the United States are hyping up the so-called China's 'militarization' in the South China Sea," the Chinese spokesman said, adding that it was like a thief is crying 'stop thief'.

"Is the freedom of navigation endowed by the international law really what the United States wants, or the 'freedom of rampage' in its dictionary of hegemony?," the Chinese spokesman asserted.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gznb02wsdhk" width="560"></iframe>

The US has stationed two fleets in the Western Pacific with South China becoming a major flashpoint between China and the US.

As tensions between US and China escalate over military drills in the South China Sea, Lt. General Kenneth McKenzie, director of the US Joint Staff, said the US has a lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands. "I would just say that the United States military's had a lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands," Lieutenant General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr said. The general referring to the World War II campaign when the US forces freed pacific islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa from the Japanese army, added that, "One shouldn't read anything more into that than a simple statement of historical fact." In keeping with its larger foreign policy interests in the Pacific, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis met with Vietnam's Defence Minister, Ngô Xuân Lịch, on the sidelines of the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in order to reinforce Vietnam's "sovereignty over its own future". China and the US have been trading barbs over the South China Sea conducting military drills close to disputed waters. The islands which have a significant strategic advantage are claimed by China, which is also contested by other countries in the region namely - Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. The US has stationed two fleets in the Western Pacific with South China becoming a major flashpoint between China and the US. China has been bringing up artificial islands in the area, claiming it as their own complete with airstrips and surveillance equipment scaring other countries in the region. The US aircraft carriers with F-18 Hornet, guided missiles and helicopters have been conducting sorties in the South China Sea while keeping a tab on the Chinese Air Force. China for its part hit out against the US policy in the South China Sea saying, "who is really promoting 'militarisation' in the South China Sea? You can sharpen your eyes, and the answer is there without saying." "Some people of the United States are hyping up the so-called China's 'militarization' in the South China Sea," the Chinese spokesman said, adding that it was like a thief is crying 'stop thief'. "Is the freedom of navigation endowed by the international law really what the United States wants, or the 'freedom of rampage' in its dictionary of hegemony?," the Chinese spokesman asserted.

South China Sea row: US has lots of experience in 'taking down small islands' in Western Pacific, says US general

&nbsp;China has found no clues to explain what happened to an American citizen working at a US&nbsp;consulate who reported suffering from " l" sounds and pressure leading to a mild brain injury, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

The US&nbsp;embassy, which issued a health alert on Wednesday to Americans living in China, said it could not link the case to health problems suffered by US&nbsp;government staff in Cuba dating back to late 2016.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China has always safeguarded the security of foreign organisations and personnel of foreign countries, including the United States, according to the Vienna convention.

"China has already conducted an earnest investigation and we have also given initial feedback to the US&nbsp;side," Lu told a daily news briefing in Beijing.

"Currently, we have not found any reasons or clues leading to the situation described by the United States," he said.

In Washington on Wednesday, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was concerned about the "serious medical incident" and raised it with China's visiting State Councillor Wang Yi.

The unnamed US&nbsp;citizen assigned to the consulate in the southern city of Guangzhou had reported various "physical symptoms" dating from late 2017 to April this year, the U.S. embassy in Beijing said in an email.

The worker was sent to the United States for further evaluation.

"The clinical findings of this evaluation matched mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)," the embassy said.

The State Department will send a medical team to Guangzhou early next week to conduct baseline medical evaluations of all consulate employees who request it, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.

China's nationalistic state-run Global Times tabloid said in a commentary late on Wednesday that it was "very inappropriate" that the United States issued a public health alert despite only having a "vague understanding" of the situation.

It said it was "inconceivable" that China would carry out targeted attacks on the health of foreign diplomats.

"We firmly believe that there is not much possibility of any 'background' to the American consulate official's 'brain injury'," it said.

The U.S. government in October expelled 15 Cuban diplomats from the United States for what it said was Cuba's failure to protect staff at the US&nbsp;embassy in Havana from mysterious health incidents at one point thought to possibly have been acoustic "attacks".

The staff there reported symptoms including hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue and cognitive issues, though Cuban officials dismissed the idea of acoustic strikes as "science fiction" and accused Washington of slander.

The cause of those incidents remains unresolved.

The Canadian government in April said it would remove families of diplomats posted to Cuba after Canadian personnel there in 2017 also reported similar health symptoms.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China has always safeguarded the security of foreign organisations and personnel of foreign countries

China has found no clues to explain what happened to an American citizen working at a US consulate who reported suffering from " l" sounds and pressure leading to a mild brain injury, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday. The US embassy, which issued a health alert on Wednesday to Americans living in China, said it could not link the case to health problems suffered by US government staff in Cuba dating back to late 2016. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China has always safeguarded the security of foreign organisations and personnel of foreign countries, including the United States, according to the Vienna convention. "China has already conducted an earnest investigation and we have also given initial feedback to the US side," Lu told a daily news briefing in Beijing. "Currently, we have not found any reasons or clues leading to the situation described by the United States," he said. In Washington on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was concerned about the "serious medical incident" and raised it with China's visiting State Councillor Wang Yi. The unnamed US citizen assigned to the consulate in the southern city of Guangzhou had reported various "physical symptoms" dating from late 2017 to April this year, the U.S. embassy in Beijing said in an email. The worker was sent to the United States for further evaluation. "The clinical findings of this evaluation matched mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)," the embassy said. The State Department will send a medical team to Guangzhou early next week to conduct baseline medical evaluations of all consulate employees who request it, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said. China's nationalistic state-run Global Times tabloid said in a commentary late on Wednesday that it was "very inappropriate" that the United States issued a public health alert despite only having a "vague understanding" of the situation. It said it was "inconceivable" that China would carry out targeted attacks on the health of foreign diplomats. "We firmly believe that there is not much possibility of any 'background' to the American consulate official's 'brain injury'," it said. The U.S. government in October expelled 15 Cuban diplomats from the United States for what it said was Cuba's failure to protect staff at the US embassy in Havana from mysterious health incidents at one point thought to possibly have been acoustic "attacks". The staff there reported symptoms including hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue and cognitive issues, though Cuban officials dismissed the idea of acoustic strikes as "science fiction" and accused Washington of slander. The cause of those incidents remains unresolved. The Canadian government in April said it would remove families of diplomats posted to Cuba after Canadian personnel there in 2017 also reported similar health symptoms.

Not found any clue on 'abnormal sound' described by US: China

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to maintain tight control of its border with North Korea until he signs a denuclearization deal with Kim Jong UN.

Trump is scheduled to hold a landmark summit with the North Korean leader June 12 in Singapore, but Pyongyang recently has threatened to pull out over US demands for "unilateral nuclear abandonment."&nbsp

"China must continue to be strong & tight on the Border of North Korea until a deal is made," Trump tweeted, suggesting China may have eased up on enforcing economic sanctions against Pyongyang.

"The word is that recently the Border has become much more porous and more has been filtering in.", he wrote, adding he wants North Korea to be 'VERY successful,' but only once a deal has been reached on denuclearization," he said.&nbsp

China is North Korea's biggest trade partner, and Trump has called on it repeatedly to press Pyongyang to rein in its nuclear and missile programs.

Besides protesting US disarmament demands, North Korea also angrily condemned joint US-South Korean military exercises, and last week pulled out of planned inter-Korean talks.

Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton also has drawn Pyongyang's ire by referring to Libya as a denuclearization model. After giving up Libya's nuclear program in 2003, leader Moamer Kadhafi was killed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

North Korea's sudden shift in attitude followed a weeks-long charm offensive that saw Kim Jong Un hold a historic summit in the Demilitarized Zone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and meet twice with China's President Xi Jinping.

As prospects for the Singapore summit dimmed, Trump offered assurances that if the summit is successful, Kim "will get protections that will be very strong."

"He'd be in his country and running his country. His country would be very rich," he told reporters last week.

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to maintain tight control of its border with North Korea until he signs a denuclearization deal with Kim Jong UN

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to maintain tight control of its border with North Korea until he signs a denuclearization deal with Kim Jong UN. Trump is scheduled to hold a landmark summit with the North Korean leader June 12 in Singapore, but Pyongyang recently has threatened to pull out over US demands for "unilateral nuclear abandonment." "China must continue to be strong & tight on the Border of North Korea until a deal is made," Trump tweeted, suggesting China may have eased up on enforcing economic sanctions against Pyongyang. "The word is that recently the Border has become much more porous and more has been filtering in.", he wrote, adding he wants North Korea to be 'VERY successful,' but only once a deal has been reached on denuclearization," he said. China is North Korea's biggest trade partner, and Trump has called on it repeatedly to press Pyongyang to rein in its nuclear and missile programs. Besides protesting US disarmament demands, North Korea also angrily condemned joint US-South Korean military exercises, and last week pulled out of planned inter-Korean talks. Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton also has drawn Pyongyang's ire by referring to Libya as a denuclearization model. After giving up Libya's nuclear program in 2003, leader Moamer Kadhafi was killed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. North Korea's sudden shift in attitude followed a weeks-long charm offensive that saw Kim Jong Un hold a historic summit in the Demilitarized Zone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and meet twice with China's President Xi Jinping. As prospects for the Singapore summit dimmed, Trump offered assurances that if the summit is successful, Kim "will get protections that will be very strong." "He'd be in his country and running his country. His country would be very rich," he told reporters last week.

Trump urges China to clamp down on North Korea border

China today expressed strong <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backs-one-china-policy-in-first-call-with-chinas-xi-jinping-12241">dissatisfaction against the US</a> for going against the One-China policy urging it to abid by the policy set in motion in 1979.

"We urge the United States to abide <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-country-can-be-exception-to-one-china-principle-china-10201">by the one-China principle, the regulations </a>and relevant commitments made in the Three Sino-US joint communiques," China's ministry of foreign affairs said, adding," I don't understand why the United States prevents other countries from recognizing the one-China principle and normalizing their relations with China."

The foreign ministry cited a 1979 communique signed between to two countries to assert that "one-China principle had won recognition and support from the international community."

China's state-run Global Times recently said White House decision to criticise China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) that foreign airlines remove references on their websites suggesting Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao as "countries" "won't not scare Beijing".

In February, US President Trump had called President Xi to convey that he will honour the one-China policy after declaring earlier that the US did not necessarily have to stick to the one-China policy as the Chinese government expressed "serious concern".

"We urge it not to point fingers or make inappropriate remarks on other countries for developing relations with China, and not to interfere in Chinese internal affairs concerning cross-Strait ties," the foreign ministry said.

Even before taking office officially, Trump after winning the US election had called Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen which infuriated China.&nbsp;

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province since 1949 when the Chinese republic had come into existence.&nbsp;

Although President Carter had restored ties with China in 1979, although China insisted the US sever ties with Taiwan but the Carter administration passed the Taiwan Relations Act ensuring ties with China urging both sides to pursue "constructive dialogue".

China recently conducted military drills near Taiwan Straits in what Beijing said was "designed to send a clear message to the island." Taiwan denounced the threats.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office had said it would "foil any form of Taiwan independence separatist plots and moves and to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."

China recently conducted military drills near Taiwan Straits in what Beijing said was "designed to send a clear message to the island."

China today expressed strong dissatisfaction against the US for going against the One-China policy urging it to abid by the policy set in motion in 1979. "We urge the United States to abide by the one-China principle, the regulations and relevant commitments made in the Three Sino-US joint communiques," China's ministry of foreign affairs said, adding," I don't understand why the United States prevents other countries from recognizing the one-China principle and normalizing their relations with China." The foreign ministry cited a 1979 communique signed between to two countries to assert that "one-China principle had won recognition and support from the international community." China's state-run Global Times recently said White House decision to criticise China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) that foreign airlines remove references on their websites suggesting Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao as "countries" "won't not scare Beijing". In February, US President Trump had called President Xi to convey that he will honour the one-China policy after declaring earlier that the US did not necessarily have to stick to the one-China policy as the Chinese government expressed "serious concern". "We urge it not to point fingers or make inappropriate remarks on other countries for developing relations with China, and not to interfere in Chinese internal affairs concerning cross-Strait ties," the foreign ministry said. Even before taking office officially, Trump after winning the US election had called Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen which infuriated China. China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province since 1949 when the Chinese republic had come into existence. Although President Carter had restored ties with China in 1979, although China insisted the US sever ties with Taiwan but the Carter administration passed the Taiwan Relations Act ensuring ties with China urging both sides to pursue "constructive dialogue". China recently conducted military drills near Taiwan Straits in what Beijing said was "designed to send a clear message to the island." Taiwan denounced the threats. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office had said it would "foil any form of Taiwan independence separatist plots and moves and to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Watch: We urge US to abide by one-China principle, says China

US&nbspTreasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday he may travel to China, a move that could ease tensions between the world's two largest economies, as international policymakers acknowledged Beijing needs to change its trade practices.

The United States has threatened to impose tariffs on up to $150 billion of Chinese imports to try to force changes in Beijing's industrial policies, which Washington says are aimed at acquiring American intellectual property.

Mnuchin told reporters he was continuing to have discussions with his Chinese counterparts to try to resolve the differences over trade, but said he may go to Beijing.&nbsp

"A trip is under consideration," Mnuchin said at a news conference during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings in Washington.&nbsp

"I am not going to make any comment on timing, nor do I have anything confirmed, but a trip is under consideration."

Mnuchin also declined to say what he wants from a trade deal with China, adding, "If we have a deal, you'll know what it looks like when we have it."&nbsp

China has threatened retaliation against US&nbspexports if Washington pushes ahead with the tariffs. The row, which comes as the world economy records its strongest growth in years, cast a pall over the semi-annual gathering of the world's finance officials.

IMF Managing Christine Lagarde warned this week that a US-China trade war threatened to damage confidence, investment and growth. On Saturday, she told a news conference there would be no winners from such a conflict.

"It is important that as a global community we keep trade open, we ensure that we work within the multilateral system that we have to make sure if there are disputes, these disputes are resolved," she said.

Mnuchin said he met China`s new central bank governor, Yi Gang, during the IMF and World Bank meetings and discussed the potential for China to open its markets to more foreign competition.

"I did meet with the Chinese here. The discussions were really more around the governor's actions at the PBOC (People's Bank of China) and certain actions they've announced in terms of opening some of their markets, which we very much encourage and appreciate."

In a statement on Saturday to the International Monetary and Financial Committee, Yi said China would "vigorously" push forward the reform and opening of its financial sector, significantly relax market access restrictions, create a more attractive investment environment, strengthen the protection of intellectual properties and actively expand imports.

On Sunday, China's commerce ministry said it would welcome US&nbspofficials to discuss trade and economic issues.

"The Chinese side has received information that the US&nbspside hopes to come to Beijing to discuss economic and trade issues. China welcomes this," the ministry said in a statement on its website.

Beijing announced on Wednesday that it would gradually eliminate ownership caps on foreign manufacturers of autos, aircraft and ships.

Regarding trade with Japan, Mnuchin said the Trump administration wants a bilateral trade agreement and has had discussions with Tokyo about such talks.

Japan wants the United States to rejoin the multilateral Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, as it fears opening talks for a bilateral free trade agreement could put it under pressure to open up politically sensitive markets like agriculture.

Adjusting to Trump

A year after US&nbspPresident Donald Trump first rankled multilateral finance meetings with his "America First" trade agenda, some officials are starting to acknowledge he has changed the conversation on trade, even if they disagree with his tariff plans.

"No one can be in any doubt that the US&nbsphas a valid point about intellectual property theft" by China, British finance minister Philip Hammond said on Friday. "It's been going on, on an industrial scale, over many years and we've been targets of it just as the US&nbsphas."

At the same time, Hammond said using tariffs was the wrong way to settle trade disputes, and he was urging China to do more to open its markets to foreign competitors, particularly in services.

A senior Japanese government official drew a clear distinction between Japan's trade issues with the United States and the US-China dispute.

"It's a separate issue," the official said on condition of anonymity. "If Trump can help change China’s behavior, there is room for Japan to benefit."&nbsp

A European official at the meetings said policymakers were trying to reduce trade pressures during the talks, but added that they wanted to "make sure there is a level playing field on trade, that China is in the same framework that others share."

Mnuchin said he was not trying to "recruit" allies to put pressure on China, but having discussions with other countries that have similar issues. "A lot of these issues are not unique to the United States."

A number of officials expressed a desire for clarity on what the United States ultimately wants from China, and whether Trump will settle for lower Chinese auto tariffs, a short-term reduction in the US-China trade deficit or hold out for fundamental changes in industrial policy.

"I hope it is a negotiating strategy. But they need to articulate actions to be taken," said Robert Holleyman, a former deputy US&nbspTrade Representative in the Obama administration.

The United States has threatened to impose tariffs on up to $150 billion of Chinese imports to try to force changes in Beijing's industrial policies, which Washington says are aimed at acquiring American intellectual property

US&nbspTreasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday he may travel to China, a move that could ease tensions between the world's two largest economies, as international policymakers acknowledged Beijing needs to change its trade practices. The United States has threatened to impose tariffs on up to $150 billion of Chinese imports to try to force changes in Beijing's industrial policies, which Washington says are aimed at acquiring American intellectual property. Mnuchin told reporters he was continuing to have discussions with his Chinese counterparts to try to resolve the differences over trade, but said he may go to Beijing. "A trip is under consideration," Mnuchin said at a news conference during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings in Washington. "I am not going to make any comment on timing, nor do I have anything confirmed, but a trip is under consideration." Mnuchin also declined to say what he wants from a trade deal with China, adding, "If we have a deal, you'll know what it looks like when we have it." China has threatened retaliation against US&nbspexports if Washington pushes ahead with the tariffs. The row, which comes as the world economy records its strongest growth in years, cast a pall over the semi-annual gathering of the world's finance officials. IMF Managing Christine Lagarde warned this week that a US-China trade war threatened to damage confidence, investment and growth. On Saturday, she told a news conference there would be no winners from such a conflict. "It is important that as a global community we keep trade open, we ensure that we work within the multilateral system that we have to make sure if there are disputes, these disputes are resolved," she said. Mnuchin said he met China`s new central bank governor, Yi Gang, during the IMF and World Bank meetings and discussed the potential for China to open its markets to more foreign competition. "I did meet with the Chinese here. The discussions were really more around the governor's actions at the PBOC (People's Bank of China) and certain actions they've announced in terms of opening some of their markets, which we very much encourage and appreciate." In a statement on Saturday to the International Monetary and Financial Committee, Yi said China would "vigorously" push forward the reform and opening of its financial sector, significantly relax market access restrictions, create a more attractive investment environment, strengthen the protection of intellectual properties and actively expand imports. On Sunday, China's commerce ministry said it would welcome US&nbspofficials to discuss trade and economic issues. "The Chinese side has received information that the US&nbspside hopes to come to Beijing to discuss economic and trade issues. China welcomes this," the ministry said in a statement on its website. Beijing announced on Wednesday that it would gradually eliminate ownership caps on foreign manufacturers of autos, aircraft and ships. Regarding trade with Japan, Mnuchin said the Trump administration wants a bilateral trade agreement and has had discussions with Tokyo about such talks. Japan wants the United States to rejoin the multilateral Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, as it fears opening talks for a bilateral free trade agreement could put it under pressure to open up politically sensitive markets like agriculture. Adjusting to Trump A year after US&nbspPresident Donald Trump first rankled multilateral finance meetings with his "America First" trade agenda, some officials are starting to acknowledge he has changed the conversation on trade, even if they disagree with his tariff plans. "No one can be in any doubt that the US&nbsphas a valid point about intellectual property theft" by China, British finance minister Philip Hammond said on Friday. "It's been going on, on an industrial scale, over many years and we've been targets of it just as the US&nbsphas." At the same time, Hammond said using tariffs was the wrong way to settle trade disputes, and he was urging China to do more to open its markets to foreign competitors, particularly in services. A senior Japanese government official drew a clear distinction between Japan's trade issues with the United States and the US-China dispute. "It's a separate issue," the official said on condition of anonymity. "If Trump can help change China’s behavior, there is room for Japan to benefit." A European official at the meetings said policymakers were trying to reduce trade pressures during the talks, but added that they wanted to "make sure there is a level playing field on trade, that China is in the same framework that others share." Mnuchin said he was not trying to "recruit" allies to put pressure on China, but having discussions with other countries that have similar issues. "A lot of these issues are not unique to the United States." A number of officials expressed a desire for clarity on what the United States ultimately wants from China, and whether Trump will settle for lower Chinese auto tariffs, a short-term reduction in the US-China trade deficit or hold out for fundamental changes in industrial policy. "I hope it is a negotiating strategy. But they need to articulate actions to be taken," said Robert Holleyman, a former deputy US&nbspTrade Representative in the Obama administration.

US Treasury chief may visit China as trade tensions simmer

After the US banned its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-bans-american-companies-from-selling-to-chinese-phone-maker-zte-130846">companies to trade with China's ZTE </a>Corporation for seven years citing that it broke settlement agreement with false statement, the Chinese government hit back saying the US was "suppressing" China's technological development under the "guise of national security."&nbsp;

ZTE which is China's second largest telecom equipment maker said it regards compliance as the cornerstone of its strategy.

"Refusal orders will not only seriously endanger the survival of ZTE, but also hurt the interests of all ZTE's partners including a large number of US companies," the company said in a statement.

The Chinese foreign office spokesman Hua Chunying said the US frequently takes national security protection as an "excuse"&nbsp;and sets up restrictions on China-US trade and investment in high technology.

"US blamed China for forcing American enterprises to transfer technologies. Then it also claimed that China's high technology development threats its security. In the end, I think this only exposes the US hegemonic mentality featuring 'no others can own it except me'," China's foreign office spokesman said.

In China, there was an outpouring of support for ZTE on its social media even as the local media put the blame on the country's reliance on foreign semiconductors.

"You live in China and you can see that products like iPhone can be seen everywhere. We don't regard this as threats. However in the US, if someone buys Huawei, for some Americans, this is very serious, even can threat the national security," Chunying said, adding,"as the superpower and scientific and technological power, is the US so vulnerable now?"'

The development has already made matters worse over trade issues after US president Donald Trump last month imposed tariffs worth $60 billion on Chinese imports.

China hit back with retaliatory tariffs on US soybeans, cars and airplanes, however, it is still unclear when it would be imposed with several experts on both sides of the view that the dispute will be settled on the bargaining table.

In China, there was outpouring of support for ZTE on its social media even as the local media put the blame on the country's reliance on foreign semiconductors.

After the US banned its companies to trade with China's ZTE Corporation for seven years citing that it broke settlement agreement with false statement, the Chinese government hit back saying the US was "suppressing" China's technological development under the "guise of national security." ZTE which is China's second largest telecom equipment maker said it regards compliance as the cornerstone of its strategy. "Refusal orders will not only seriously endanger the survival of ZTE, but also hurt the interests of all ZTE's partners including a large number of US companies," the company said in a statement. The Chinese foreign office spokesman Hua Chunying said the US frequently takes national security protection as an "excuse" and sets up restrictions on China-US trade and investment in high technology. "US blamed China for forcing American enterprises to transfer technologies. Then it also claimed that China's high technology development threats its security. In the end, I think this only exposes the US hegemonic mentality featuring 'no others can own it except me'," China's foreign office spokesman said. In China, there was an outpouring of support for ZTE on its social media even as the local media put the blame on the country's reliance on foreign semiconductors. "You live in China and you can see that products like iPhone can be seen everywhere. We don't regard this as threats. However in the US, if someone buys Huawei, for some Americans, this is very serious, even can threat the national security," Chunying said, adding,"as the superpower and scientific and technological power, is the US so vulnerable now?"' The development has already made matters worse over trade issues after US president Donald Trump last month imposed tariffs worth $60 billion on Chinese imports. China hit back with retaliatory tariffs on US soybeans, cars and airplanes, however, it is still unclear when it would be imposed with several experts on both sides of the view that the dispute will be settled on the bargaining table.

iPhone is everywhere but some Americans believe Huawei threat to national security: China

The Chinese Navy which has been conducting exercises in the South China Sea said today it was involved in an "encounter" with the Australian Navy.

"Chinese and Australian naval vessels had an "encounter" in the South China Sea this week, and China acted professionally and lawfully," China's defence ministry said.

"The Chinese side's ships used professional language to communicate with the Australian side, and their operations were lawful, in compliance, professional and safe," the ministry added.

"The encounter&nbsp;happened on Sunday,"&nbsp;it said.

The Australian Navy confirmed three ships had recently travelled to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam but did not give any more details.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said later that if Australia is referring to "freedom of navigation" in accordance with international laws, there is no problem whatsoever, Reuters reported.

"But if Australia has other motives, we hope it can see the trend in the South China Sea is stable and improving, and work together with China and other neighbouring countries for the peace and stability of the region," the Chinese ministry spokesman said.

The South China Sea has become a centre for naval exercise with China and the US fueling the race in an area which has several disputed islands hotly contested by China and the rest of the countries namely Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan and others.

Australia which is a close ally of the US said in a statement that it had deployed ships &nbsp;- &nbsp;Anzac, Toowoomba and Success - which will conduct naval exercises with countries around the region.

The Australian Navy confirmed three ships had recently travelled to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam but did not give any more details.

The Chinese Navy which has been conducting exercises in the South China Sea said today it was involved in an "encounter" with the Australian Navy. "Chinese and Australian naval vessels had an "encounter" in the South China Sea this week, and China acted professionally and lawfully," China's defence ministry said. "The Chinese side's ships used professional language to communicate with the Australian side, and their operations were lawful, in compliance, professional and safe," the ministry added. "The encounter happened on Sunday," it said. The Australian Navy confirmed three ships had recently travelled to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam but did not give any more details. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said later that if Australia is referring to "freedom of navigation" in accordance with international laws, there is no problem whatsoever, Reuters reported. "But if Australia has other motives, we hope it can see the trend in the South China Sea is stable and improving, and work together with China and other neighbouring countries for the peace and stability of the region," the Chinese ministry spokesman said. The South China Sea has become a centre for naval exercise with China and the US fueling the race in an area which has several disputed islands hotly contested by China and the rest of the countries namely Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan and others. Australia which is a close ally of the US said in a statement that it had deployed ships - Anzac, Toowoomba and Success - which will conduct naval exercises with countries around the region.

China, Australian Navy involved in 'encounter' in South China Sea

China's exports growth unexpectedly fell in March, the first drop since February last year, raising questions about the health of one of the economy's key growth drivers even as trade tensions rapidly escalate with the United States.

March import growth beat expectations, however, suggesting its domestic demand may still be solid enough to cushion the blow from any trade shocks. That left China with a rare trade deficit for the month, also the first drop since last February.

The latest readings on the health of China's trade sector follow weeks of tit-for-tat tariff threats by Washington and Beijing, sparked by US&nbspfrustration with China's massive bilateral trade surplus and intellectual property policies, that have fueled fears of a global trade war.

China's March exports fell 2.7 percent from a year earlier, lagging analysts' forecasts for a 10.0 per cent increase, and down from a sharper-than-expected 44.5 per cent jump in February, which economists believe was heavily distorted by seasonal factors.

For the first quarter as a whole, however, exports still grew a hearty 14.1 per cent.

Some analysts had expected a pullback in March exports following an unusually strong start to the year, when firms stepped up shipments before the long Lunar New Year holiday in mid-February. That scenario did not alter their view that global demand remains robust.

But a stronger currency could also be starting to erode Chinese exporters' competitiveness. The yuan appreciated around 3.7 per cent against the US&nbspdollar in the first quarter this year, on top of a 6.6 per cent gain last year.

No hard timeline has been set by either Washington or Beijing for the actual imposition of tariffs, which leaves the door open to negotiations and a possible compromise which could limit the damage to both sides and other trade-reliant economies.

But analysts said the trade threats may already be having an impact on exporters' activity.

With the threat of tariffs hanging over nearly a third of China's exports to the United States, economists at Nomura say its companies may have front-loaded shipments early this year before any measures kick in.

China's exports to the US&nbsprose 14.8 per cent in the first quarter from a year earlier, while imports rose 8.9 per cent.

That sent its quarterly trade surplus with the US&nbspsurging 19.4 per cent to $58.25 billion, though the March reading narrowed to $15.43 billion from $20.96 billion in February.

China's total aluminium exports in March rose to their highest since June, just as the United States imposed tariffs on imports of the metal and steel on March 23.

"We believe export growth will slow due to yuan appreciation and rising trade tensions. But the solid global growth outlook may provide some buffer. China’s import could be more resilient than export growth in our view as China has pledged to increase imports," said Lisheng Wang, an economist at Nomura in Hong Kong.

China's overall March imports grew 14.4 per cent from a year ago, beating analysts' forecast for 10.0 per cent growth, and compared with 6.3 per cent growth in February.

That produced a trade deficit of $4.98 billion for the month, but such shortfalls are not uncommon for China early in the year, likely due to seasonal factors.

For Jan-March, imports rose a strong 18.9 per cent on-year.

Analysts expected China would record a trade surplus of $27.21 billion for last month, from February's surplus of $33.75 billion.

Imports of commodities continued to lead the way in March, with shipments of copper, crude oil, iron ore and soybeans all rising from the previous month.

China's exports rode a global trade boom last year, expanding at the fastest pace since 2013 and serving as one of the key drivers behind the economy's forecast-beating expansion.

But the sudden spike in trade tensions with the United States is clouding the outlook for both China's "old economy" heavy industries and "new economy" tech firms.

Washington says China's $375 billion trade surplus with the United States is unacceptable, and has demanded Beijing reduce it by $100 billion immediately.

In a move to further force China to lower the billions of goods trade surplus running with the US, Trump unveiled tariff representing about $50 billion of technology, transport and medical products early this month, drawing an immediate threat of retaliatory action from Beijing.

China's tech sector, which is key part of Beijing's longer-term "Made in China 2025" strategy to move from cheap goods to higher-value manufacturing, may be particularly vulnerable.

Hi-tech products have been among its fastest growing export segments. China exported $137.8 billion worth of high-tech products in the first quarter, up 20.5 per cent on-year.

March import growth beat expectations, however, suggesting its domestic demand may still be solid enough to cushion the blow from any trade shocks.

China's exports growth unexpectedly fell in March, the first drop since February last year, raising questions about the health of one of the economy's key growth drivers even as trade tensions rapidly escalate with the United States. March import growth beat expectations, however, suggesting its domestic demand may still be solid enough to cushion the blow from any trade shocks. That left China with a rare trade deficit for the month, also the first drop since last February. The latest readings on the health of China's trade sector follow weeks of tit-for-tat tariff threats by Washington and Beijing, sparked by US&nbspfrustration with China's massive bilateral trade surplus and intellectual property policies, that have fueled fears of a global trade war. China's March exports fell 2.7 percent from a year earlier, lagging analysts' forecasts for a 10.0 per cent increase, and down from a sharper-than-expected 44.5 per cent jump in February, which economists believe was heavily distorted by seasonal factors. For the first quarter as a whole, however, exports still grew a hearty 14.1 per cent. Some analysts had expected a pullback in March exports following an unusually strong start to the year, when firms stepped up shipments before the long Lunar New Year holiday in mid-February. That scenario did not alter their view that global demand remains robust. But a stronger currency could also be starting to erode Chinese exporters' competitiveness. The yuan appreciated around 3.7 per cent against the US&nbspdollar in the first quarter this year, on top of a 6.6 per cent gain last year. No hard timeline has been set by either Washington or Beijing for the actual imposition of tariffs, which leaves the door open to negotiations and a possible compromise which could limit the damage to both sides and other trade-reliant economies. But analysts said the trade threats may already be having an impact on exporters' activity. With the threat of tariffs hanging over nearly a third of China's exports to the United States, economists at Nomura say its companies may have front-loaded shipments early this year before any measures kick in. China's exports to the US&nbsprose 14.8 per cent in the first quarter from a year earlier, while imports rose 8.9 per cent. That sent its quarterly trade surplus with the US&nbspsurging 19.4 per cent to $58.25 billion, though the March reading narrowed to $15.43 billion from $20.96 billion in February. China's total aluminium exports in March rose to their highest since June, just as the United States imposed tariffs on imports of the metal and steel on March 23. "We believe export growth will slow due to yuan appreciation and rising trade tensions. But the solid global growth outlook may provide some buffer. China’s import could be more resilient than export growth in our view as China has pledged to increase imports," said Lisheng Wang, an economist at Nomura in Hong Kong. China's overall March imports grew 14.4 per cent from a year ago, beating analysts' forecast for 10.0 per cent growth, and compared with 6.3 per cent growth in February. That produced a trade deficit of $4.98 billion for the month, but such shortfalls are not uncommon for China early in the year, likely due to seasonal factors. For Jan-March, imports rose a strong 18.9 per cent on-year. Analysts expected China would record a trade surplus of $27.21 billion for last month, from February's surplus of $33.75 billion. Imports of commodities continued to lead the way in March, with shipments of copper, crude oil, iron ore and soybeans all rising from the previous month. China's exports rode a global trade boom last year, expanding at the fastest pace since 2013 and serving as one of the key drivers behind the economy's forecast-beating expansion. But the sudden spike in trade tensions with the United States is clouding the outlook for both China's "old economy" heavy industries and "new economy" tech firms. Washington says China's $375 billion trade surplus with the United States is unacceptable, and has demanded Beijing reduce it by $100 billion immediately. In a move to further force China to lower the billions of goods trade surplus running with the US, Trump unveiled tariff representing about $50 billion of technology, transport and medical products early this month, drawing an immediate threat of retaliatory action from Beijing. China's tech sector, which is key part of Beijing's longer-term "Made in China 2025" strategy to move from cheap goods to higher-value manufacturing, may be particularly vulnerable. Hi-tech products have been among its fastest growing export segments. China exported $137.8 billion worth of high-tech products in the first quarter, up 20.5 per cent on-year.

China's first-quarter trade surplus with US surge

America&#39;s massive trade deficit with China is estimated to have resulted in about two million job losses in the US, the White House has said, defending President Donald Trump&#39;s decision to initiate strong actions against China&#39;s &quot;unfair&quot; trade practices.

Trump imposed tariffs on about $60 billion worth of Chinese imports to punish the country for its &quot;unfair&quot; seizure of American intellectual property, a move that could escalate the already tense trade relations between the world&#39;s two biggest economies.

The move came after a seven-month investigation into the intellectual property theft, which has been a longstanding point of contention in US-China trade relations.

China also announced retaliatory measures against the US.

A senior administration official told reporters: &quot;By some calculations, every billion dollar of trade deficit that arises from market-distorted policies, costs us about 6,000 jobs. A very conservative calculation, by some estimates, is that trade deficit results in about two million more jobs in China and two million less here. This is a serious problem that the US side is keenly aware of&quot;.

China&#39;s &quot;unfair&quot; trade practices have resulted in a goods trade deficit of $370 billion, the official said.

The Trump administration said that it is for China to decide what course it wants to take.

&quot;The point here is that China will have a choice as to how to respond, and they have benefited far more from this relationship than we have. We will certainly take that into account,&quot; the official said.

The typical American corporation that wants to go to China and sell its goods into the Chinese market is on the horns of a dilemma.

Responding to questions, the official said the concerns with Chinese economic practices are widespread throughout the United States and around the world.

&quot;We have heard from many of our trading partners that they share many of these concerns,&quot; the official said.

Another administration official said China benefits far more from the US-China trade relationship than the US does.

Since 2001, when China joined the World Trade Organisation, its economy has grown from $1 trillion of GDP to $12 trillion; roughly an 800 per cent growth rate.

&quot;During the same period of time, the American economy sputtered. It went from an annual growth rate of about 3.5 per cent between 1947 and 2000, down to around two per cent, which everybody wanted to say was the new normal for America. But the contrast between China&#39;s growth and its unfair trade practices, and what had happened to the US in terms of growth and wage growth, is quite startling,&quot; the official said.

Later State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said Trump has been very clear from the first day on the campaign trail, longstanding concerns that he has and administration-wide people have, with China&#39;s &quot;unfair&quot; trade practices.

&quot;It&#39;s natural for us to have to address things that we don&#39;t agree on. One of them is certainly trade. The President has fought very hard for advancing opportunities, economic opportunities for American businesses, but also the American people,&quot; she said.

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden welcomed the decision.

&quot;China has cheated, stolen and bullied American industry on trade for decades, causing massive economic wreckage to workers, employers and communities across America in the process. Our country must stand up against China&#39;s trade blackmail, so I am encouraged that the administration is focused on protecting the technologies that China publicly targeted,&quot; Wyden said.

Senator Sherrod Brown welcomed the news that the Trump administration is taking steps to launch crackdown on China&#39;s violation of intellectual property laws.

Business Roundtable said unilaterally imposing tariffs or other restrictions without a long-term strategy to bring about reforms in China will only raise prices in America, make American companies and products less competitive, and harm US workers and consumers.

&quot;The administration should instead pursue a comprehensive approach centred around several strategic priorities. This includes working closely with our international partners to identify unfair trade barriers and practices that China must remove, setting deadlines for such reforms and outlining actions that the US will take if those reforms are not undertaken,&quot; it said.

China's "unfair" trade practices have resulted in a goods trade deficit of $370 billion, the official said

America's massive trade deficit with China is estimated to have resulted in about two million job losses in the US, the White House has said, defending President Donald Trump's decision to initiate strong actions against China's "unfair" trade practices. Trump imposed tariffs on about $60 billion worth of Chinese imports to punish the country for its "unfair" seizure of American intellectual property, a move that could escalate the already tense trade relations between the world's two biggest economies. The move came after a seven-month investigation into the intellectual property theft, which has been a longstanding point of contention in US-China trade relations. China also announced retaliatory measures against the US. A senior administration official told reporters: "By some calculations, every billion dollar of trade deficit that arises from market-distorted policies, costs us about 6,000 jobs. A very conservative calculation, by some estimates, is that trade deficit results in about two million more jobs in China and two million less here. This is a serious problem that the US side is keenly aware of". China's "unfair" trade practices have resulted in a goods trade deficit of $370 billion, the official said. The Trump administration said that it is for China to decide what course it wants to take. "The point here is that China will have a choice as to how to respond, and they have benefited far more from this relationship than we have. We will certainly take that into account," the official said. The typical American corporation that wants to go to China and sell its goods into the Chinese market is on the horns of a dilemma. Responding to questions, the official said the concerns with Chinese economic practices are widespread throughout the United States and around the world. "We have heard from many of our trading partners that they share many of these concerns," the official said. Another administration official said China benefits far more from the US-China trade relationship than the US does. Since 2001, when China joined the World Trade Organisation, its economy has grown from $1 trillion of GDP to $12 trillion; roughly an 800 per cent growth rate. "During the same period of time, the American economy sputtered. It went from an annual growth rate of about 3.5 per cent between 1947 and 2000, down to around two per cent, which everybody wanted to say was the new normal for America. But the contrast between China's growth and its unfair trade practices, and what had happened to the US in terms of growth and wage growth, is quite startling," the official said. Later State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said Trump has been very clear from the first day on the campaign trail, longstanding concerns that he has and administration-wide people have, with China's "unfair" trade practices. "It's natural for us to have to address things that we don't agree on. One of them is certainly trade. The President has fought very hard for advancing opportunities, economic opportunities for American businesses, but also the American people," she said. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden welcomed the decision. "China has cheated, stolen and bullied American industry on trade for decades, causing massive economic wreckage to workers, employers and communities across America in the process. Our country must stand up against China's trade blackmail, so I am encouraged that the administration is focused on protecting the technologies that China publicly targeted," Wyden said. Senator Sherrod Brown welcomed the news that the Trump administration is taking steps to launch crackdown on China's violation of intellectual property laws. Business Roundtable said unilaterally imposing tariffs or other restrictions without a long-term strategy to bring about reforms in China will only raise prices in America, make American companies and products less competitive, and harm US workers and consumers. "The administration should instead pursue a comprehensive approach centred around several strategic priorities. This includes working closely with our international partners to identify unfair trade barriers and practices that China must remove, setting deadlines for such reforms and outlining actions that the US will take if those reforms are not undertaken," it said.

Trade deficit with China costs 2 million jobs to US: White House

In the simmering trade war, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targeting-60-billion-tariffs-on-chinese-imports-in-100-items-35719">the Trump administration has told the</a> World Trade Organization(WTO) that it was taking action against Indian export subsidies.

The US government is increasingly targetting the two biggest economies in Asia - India and China - in a bid to fix its trade deficit.&nbsp;

AFP reported documents submitted to the WTO by the US which included punishment for violating basic rules, mainly aimed at China. 
&nbsp; 
A White House said on Wednesday it was pushing China to cut trade surplus with the US by $100 billion.

Last week, Trump had tweeted that China had been asked to develop a plan to reduce its trade imbalance with the United States by $1 billion, but the White House spokeswoman said Trump had meant to say $100 billion.

The United States had a record $375 billion trade deficit with China in 2017, which made up two-thirds of a global $566 billion U.S. trade gap last year, according to US&nbsp;Census Bureau data.

China reported its 2017 U.S. trade surplus as $276 billion, also about two-thirds of its reported global surplus of $422.5 billion.

In a Thursday editorial, widely-read Chinese state-run tabloid the Global Times said the United States was trying to play the victim.

&quot;If the U.S. wants to reduce its trade deficit, it has to make Americans more hard-working and conduct reforms in accordance with international market demand, instead of asking the rest of the world to change,&quot; it wrote.

&quot;Once a trade war starts, capable countries won&#39;t bow to the US-China has tried hard to avoid a trade war, but if one breaks out, appeasement is not an option.&quot;

The US government is increasingly targetting the two biggest economies in Asia - India and China in a bid to fix its trade deficit.

In the simmering trade war, the Trump administration has told the World Trade Organization(WTO) that it was taking action against Indian export subsidies. The US government is increasingly targetting the two biggest economies in Asia - India and China - in a bid to fix its trade deficit. AFP reported documents submitted to the WTO by the US which included punishment for violating basic rules, mainly aimed at China. A White House said on Wednesday it was pushing China to cut trade surplus with the US by $100 billion. Last week, Trump had tweeted that China had been asked to develop a plan to reduce its trade imbalance with the United States by $1 billion, but the White House spokeswoman said Trump had meant to say $100 billion. The United States had a record $375 billion trade deficit with China in 2017, which made up two-thirds of a global $566 billion U.S. trade gap last year, according to US Census Bureau data. China reported its 2017 U.S. trade surplus as $276 billion, also about two-thirds of its reported global surplus of $422.5 billion. In a Thursday editorial, widely-read Chinese state-run tabloid the Global Times said the United States was trying to play the victim. "If the U.S. wants to reduce its trade deficit, it has to make Americans more hard-working and conduct reforms in accordance with international market demand, instead of asking the rest of the world to change," it wrote. "Once a trade war starts, capable countries won't bow to the US-China has tried hard to avoid a trade war, but if one breaks out, appeasement is not an option."

Taking action against Indian export subsidies: US tells World Trade Organization

Commander of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-foreign-secretary-jaishankar-picks-four-big-disruptions-at-raisina-dialogue-30008">US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry</a> Harris during a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue said that nations should take &quot;tough decisions to keep the region safe and open.&quot;

Top officials comprising <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-identify-nations-who-are-sponsors-of-terrorists-army-chief-at-raisina-dialogue-29797">of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue</a> (QSD)&nbsp;-&nbsp;US, Japan, Australia and India pointed out that China needed to be countered.

Admiral Harris said he had &quot;no issues in engaging China&quot; if it is interested in keeping the region peaceful, safe and open, however, Japan&#39;s Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano it is very difficult to change &quot;China&#39;s aggressive policy&quot; which would make it &quot;isolated&quot; soon.&nbsp;

Admiral Kawano added that China had &quot;violated international rules in East China Sea and South China Sea&quot;.

India&#39;s naval chief Admiral Sunil Lanba added that the region was &quot;facing trust deficiency&quot; and &quot;fear of insecurity&quot; and that there was a need for developing trust between countries in the region and &quot;transparent inter-operability&quot;.

Admiral&nbsp; Lanba&nbsp;said there is a &quot;change in the deployment of China&#39;s navy since 2008&quot;&nbsp;though there is no evidence of military purposes in its deployment. 
&nbsp; 
Australia&#39;s Vice-Admiral Tim Barret echoed Admiral Kawano&#39;s statement, saying: &quot;There needs to be a meaningful outcome from discussions among like-minded nations to take on China.&quot;

Top officials comprising of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) nations US, Japan, Australia and India pointed out that China needed to be countered.

Commander of the US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris during a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue said that nations should take "tough decisions to keep the region safe and open." Top officials comprising of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) - US, Japan, Australia and India pointed out that China needed to be countered. Admiral Harris said he had "no issues in engaging China" if it is interested in keeping the region peaceful, safe and open, however, Japan's Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano it is very difficult to change "China's aggressive policy" which would make it "isolated" soon. Admiral Kawano added that China had "violated international rules in East China Sea and South China Sea". India's naval chief Admiral Sunil Lanba added that the region was "facing trust deficiency" and "fear of insecurity" and that there was a need for developing trust between countries in the region and "transparent inter-operability". Admiral Lanba said there is a "change in the deployment of China's navy since 2008" though there is no evidence of military purposes in its deployment. Australia's Vice-Admiral Tim Barret echoed Admiral Kawano's statement, saying: "There needs to be a meaningful outcome from discussions among like-minded nations to take on China."

At Raisina Dialogue, QSD nations point at 'China's aggressive policy'

China has built new military facilities on islands in the South China Sea, a US&nbsp;think tank reported on Thursday, a move that could raise tensions with Washington, which has accused Beijing of militarising the vital waterway.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washington&#39;s Center for Strategic and International Studies, said new satellite images show missile shelters and radar and communications facilities being built on the Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs in the Spratly Islands.

The United States has criticised China&#39;s build-up of military facilities on the artificial islands and is concerned they could be used to restrict free movement through the South China Sea, an important trade route.

Last month, a US&nbsp;Navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in a so-called freedom of navigation operation, the first such challenge to Beijing&#39;s claim to most of the waterway since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump took office.

China has denied US&nbsp;charges that it is militarising the sea, which also is claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Trump has sought China&#39;s help in reining in North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missile programs, and tension between Washington and Beijing over military installations in the South China Sea could complicate those efforts.

China has built four new missile shelters on Fiery Cross Reef to go with the eight already on the artificial island, AMTI said. Mischief and Subi each have eight shelters, the think tank said in a previous report.

In February, Reuters reported that China had nearly finished building structures to house long-range surface-to-air missiles on the three islands.

On Mischief Reef, a very large antennae array is being installed that presumably boosts Beijing&#39;s ability to monitor the surroundings, the think tank said, adding that the installation should be of concern to the Philippines due to its proximity to an area claimed by Manila.

A large dome recently was installed on Fiery Cross and another is under construction, indicating a sizeable communications or radar system, AMTI said. Two more domes are being built at Mischief Reef, it said.

A smaller dome has been installed near the missile shelters on Mischief, &quot;indicating that it could be connected to radars for any missile systems that might be housed there,&quot; AMTI said.

&quot;Beijing can now deploy military assets, including combat aircraft and mobile missile launchers, to the Spratly Islands at any time,&quot; it said.

The think tank said new satellite images show missile shelters, radar and communications facilities being built

China has built new military facilities on islands in the South China Sea, a US think tank reported on Thursday, a move that could raise tensions with Washington, which has accused Beijing of militarising the vital waterway. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said new satellite images show missile shelters and radar and communications facilities being built on the Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs in the Spratly Islands. The United States has criticised China's build-up of military facilities on the artificial islands and is concerned they could be used to restrict free movement through the South China Sea, an important trade route. Last month, a US Navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in a so-called freedom of navigation operation, the first such challenge to Beijing's claim to most of the waterway since US President Donald Trump took office. China has denied US charges that it is militarising the sea, which also is claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Trump has sought China's help in reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and tension between Washington and Beijing over military installations in the South China Sea could complicate those efforts. China has built four new missile shelters on Fiery Cross Reef to go with the eight already on the artificial island, AMTI said. Mischief and Subi each have eight shelters, the think tank said in a previous report. In February, Reuters reported that China had nearly finished building structures to house long-range surface-to-air missiles on the three islands. On Mischief Reef, a very large antennae array is being installed that presumably boosts Beijing's ability to monitor the surroundings, the think tank said, adding that the installation should be of concern to the Philippines due to its proximity to an area claimed by Manila. A large dome recently was installed on Fiery Cross and another is under construction, indicating a sizeable communications or radar system, AMTI said. Two more domes are being built at Mischief Reef, it said. A smaller dome has been installed near the missile shelters on Mischief, "indicating that it could be connected to radars for any missile systems that might be housed there," AMTI said. "Beijing can now deploy military assets, including combat aircraft and mobile missile launchers, to the Spratly Islands at any time," it said.

China builds new military facilities on South China Sea islands: US think tank

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump agreed to honour the longstanding &quot;One China&quot; policy during a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, taking steps to improve ties after angering Beijing by talking to the leader of Taiwan.

Trump further unnerved Beijing over the self-ruled island in December saying the United States did not necessarily have to stick to the policy, under which Washington acknowledges China&#39;s position that Taiwan is part of &quot;One China&quot;.

The two leaders had not spoken by telephone since Trump took office on January 20.

A White House statement said Trump and Xi had a lengthy phone conversation on Thursday night Washington time. It came hours before Trump is to play host to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House and later, at his Palm Beach, Florida, retreat.

&quot;President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our &#39;One China&#39; policy,&quot; the statement said.

The statement marked a return to a more traditional US&nbsp;policy after Trump had told the Wall Street Journal last month that the &quot;One China&quot; policy was up for negotiation.

The two sides also signalled that with the &quot;One China&quot; issue resolved, they could have more normal relations.

&quot;Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest,&quot; the statement said.

In a separate statement read out on Chinese state television, Xi said China appreciated Trump&#39;s upholding of the &quot;One China&quot; policy.

&quot;I believe that the United States and China are cooperative partners, and through joint efforts, we can push bilateral relations to a historic new high,&quot; the statement cited Xi as saying.

The White House described the call as &quot;extremely cordial&quot; with both leaders expressing best wishes to their peoples.

&quot;They also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries. President Trump and President Xi look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes,&quot; the statement said.

(Reuters)

'President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'One China' policy,' a White House statement said

US President Donald Trump agreed to honour the longstanding "One China" policy during a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, taking steps to improve ties after angering Beijing by talking to the leader of Taiwan. Trump further unnerved Beijing over the self-ruled island in December saying the United States did not necessarily have to stick to the policy, under which Washington acknowledges China's position that Taiwan is part of "One China". The two leaders had not spoken by telephone since Trump took office on January 20. A White House statement said Trump and Xi had a lengthy phone conversation on Thursday night Washington time. It came hours before Trump is to play host to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House and later, at his Palm Beach, Florida, retreat. "President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'One China' policy," the statement said. The statement marked a return to a more traditional US policy after Trump had told the Wall Street Journal last month that the "One China" policy was up for negotiation. The two sides also signalled that with the "One China" issue resolved, they could have more normal relations. "Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest," the statement said. In a separate statement read out on Chinese state television, Xi said China appreciated Trump's upholding of the "One China" policy. "I believe that the United States and China are cooperative partners, and through joint efforts, we can push bilateral relations to a historic new high," the statement cited Xi as saying. The White House described the call as "extremely cordial" with both leaders expressing best wishes to their peoples. "They also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries. President Trump and President Xi look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes," the statement said. (Reuters)

Trump backs 'One China' policy in first call with China's Xi Jinping

The United States is pleased to see progress has been made with China on information sharing about cyber threats, said a senior US official on Tuesday during the latest round of cyber security talks between the two countries. 
 
Cyber security has long been an irritant in relations between China and the United States, the world&#39;s two largest economies. 
 
China and the US signed an anti-hacking accord in September last year, brokered during Chinese President Xi Jinping&#39;s state visit to Washington, including a pledge that neither country would knowingly carry out hacking for commercial advantages. 
 
The agreement marked an ongoing effort to repair relations after China withdrew from a working group in 2014 in response to the US indictment of five members of its military on charges it hacked six US companies. 
 
Meeting in Beijing, US Department of Homeland Security Under secretary Suzanne Spaulding said the focus on the talks was to make sure both sides fulfilled commitments made by the two presidents. 
 
&quot;We look forward to discussing the commitments we made with regards to not engaging in IP theft of trade secrets and confidential business information,&quot; she told reporters. 
 
A key element of the agreement is information sharing and establishing mechanisms. 
 
She said the two sides had been setting up email addresses to share information. 
 
&quot;We are very pleased to have temporary email addresses and very much appreciate&quot; working to set up permanent addresses, said Spaulding. 
 
Chinese Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun said that China highly valued the talk. 
 
&quot;We want to bring the discussions from policies on paper to actual implementation,&quot; said&nbsp;Guo. 
 
&quot;Both sides will continue to cooperate on cyber cases. I believe the leadership on both sides places emphasis on the issue and values participation. Xi Jinping has personally been involved,&quot; he further added. 
 
China, Russia and Iran are among what the United States believes are its most prolific and sophisticated hacking adversaries. 
 
US officials have privately blamed Beijing for a massive hack on federal employee records last year, which exposed sensitive personal information of more than 22 million current and former government workers.

Washington and Beijing pledge to keep refraining from political hacking and corporate espionage

The United States is pleased to see progress has been made with China on information sharing about cyber threats, said a senior US official on Tuesday during the latest round of cyber security talks between the two countries. Cyber security has long been an irritant in relations between China and the United States, the world's two largest economies. China and the US signed an anti-hacking accord in September last year, brokered during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington, including a pledge that neither country would knowingly carry out hacking for commercial advantages. The agreement marked an ongoing effort to repair relations after China withdrew from a working group in 2014 in response to the US indictment of five members of its military on charges it hacked six US companies. Meeting in Beijing, US Department of Homeland Security Under secretary Suzanne Spaulding said the focus on the talks was to make sure both sides fulfilled commitments made by the two presidents. "We look forward to discussing the commitments we made with regards to not engaging in IP theft of trade secrets and confidential business information," she told reporters. A key element of the agreement is information sharing and establishing mechanisms. She said the two sides had been setting up email addresses to share information. "We are very pleased to have temporary email addresses and very much appreciate" working to set up permanent addresses, said Spaulding. Chinese Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun said that China highly valued the talk. "We want to bring the discussions from policies on paper to actual implementation," said Guo. "Both sides will continue to cooperate on cyber cases. I believe the leadership on both sides places emphasis on the issue and values participation. Xi Jinping has personally been involved," he further added. China, Russia and Iran are among what the United States believes are its most prolific and sophisticated hacking adversaries. US officials have privately blamed Beijing for a massive hack on federal employee records last year, which exposed sensitive personal information of more than 22 million current and former government workers.

US sees progress in latest cyber talks with China

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