But Gao repeated warnings China will “take all appropriate measures” to defend its commercial interests. The possible tariffs approved last week by Trump are in response to complaints Beijing steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology. On Friday, Beijing responded to an earlier US tariff hike on steel and aluminum imports by releasing a $3 billion list of American goods including pork and steel pipes that might be targeted for retaliation. Gao repeated earlier Chinese statements that Beijing is open to negotiating a settlement, though he did not confirm a news report that talks already have started. The Wall Street Journal said US officials have submitted a list of market-opening requests covering autos, finance and semiconductors.

Source: Indian Express March 29, 2018 08:03 UTC