US firms, debt could be China's targets if US plays hardballBEIJING — In a looming trade war between the world's two largest economies, American companies in China may have a bull's-eye on their backs. Chief among those is harassing American companies that make autos, operate restaurant chains, sell computer software and do other business in China's heavily regulated economy. Other possible options include selling U.S. government debt or disrupting diplomatic efforts over North Korea, but those would damage Beijing's own interests. If it raises that to match Trump's total, that would be nearly equal to China's 2017 imports of U.S. goods. Beijing also has potential support from American companies and business groups that have criticized Trump and favor globalization.

Source: Philippine Star May 06, 2018 02:26 UTC