Trump accuses China of election meddling as it hits back with tariffs on $60bn of US goods
China is set to retaliate against Donald Trump's new tariffs by imposing duties on an additional $60bn (£45.6bn) of US goods.
Beijing is hitting back against the US President's plans to introduce 10 per cent tariffs on $200bn of Chinese imports from 24 September.
The Chinese government said it was a “forced response” and that its own 10 per cent tariffs would be imposed – from the same day – on around 5,200 US products including aircraft, soya bean oil, coffee and flour.
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In a statement it said it hoped the US would stop “trade frictions” and maintain a “mutually beneficial relationship” through dialogue.
Minutes earlier Donald Trump had taken to Twitter accusing China of meddling in its midterm elections by attacking the country's industrial workers.
China has openly stated that they are actively trying to impact and change our election by attacking our farmers, ranchers and industrial workers because of their loyalty to me. What China does not understand is that these people are great patriots and fully understand that…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 18, 2018
He said: “China has openly stated that they are actively trying to impact and change our election by attacking our farmers, ranchers and industrial workers because of their loyalty to me.”
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He added: “There will be great and fast economic retaliation against China if our farmers, ranchers and/or industrial workers are targeted.”
Trump said yesterday he would impose 10 per cent tariffs on around $200bn of Chinese imports as of 24 September – and that it could rise to 25 per cent in January.
He also warned of an extra $267bn worth of tariffs if China chose to retaliate.