Will Strike Back At United States, Says Xi Jinping In Latest Round Of Trade Skirmishes

In the latest round of trade-offs between the United States and China, President Xi Jinping has warned that he will strike back at the western nation, responding to the latest round of tariffs being imposed.

A report by the Wall Street Journal says that Jinping has asked officials to promote China’s role as a global leader while the United States is facing backlash from several countries for its ‘America First’ policy.

In the recent past, United States President Donald Trump’s actions have left Chinese officials confused as he called for sanctions against the Asian giant while referring to Jinping as a friend. Two trips by the Chinese premier’s economic representative to Washington for negotiations have been to naught.

However, it seems that Jinping has now decided to put his foot down. A senior official stated that China would not yield to outside pressure. Beijing’s aggression however has sent investors and businesses into a tizzy, dashing any hopes of a settlement by 6 July when Washington will roll out its sanctions on Chinese imports, namely machinery and home appliances. China plans to start its tariffs on American products – soyabeans and energy – on the very same day.

Apart from trade sanctions, China has a vast arsenal of tools it can use against the United States. It can force delays into the issuance of permits and licences, increase inspections on American goods, delay key mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals and even force its populace to boycott American goods altogether.