Washington: The US accused China of “economic coercion” against private companies to avoid doing business with American firms, especially within the shipbuilding industry.
According to Kuwait News Agency, United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, issued a statement late Monday in response to China’s attempted coercion against companies that were helping revive American industry through large, strategic investments in critical sectors.
“China’s recent retaliatory actions against private companies across the globe are part of a broader pattern of economic coercion to influence American politics and control global supply chains by discouraging foreign companies from investing in America’s shipbuilding and other critical industries,” said Ambassador Greer. “Attempts at intimidation will not stop the United States from rebuilding its shipbuilding base and responding appropriately to China’s targeting of critical industrial sectors for dominance. We remain committed to defending our companies, securing supply chains, and encouraging allied investment in America’s industrial future.”
US President Donald Trump said in a statement earlier that his meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in South Korea would hopefully lead to a “just and fair” trade deal between the two countries. He also expressed his desire to visit China next year upon an invitation from Beijing.