White House warns China tariffs not a negotiating ploy

By AFP

National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow speaks during an interview in front of the White House on April 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. / AFP PHOTO / Mandel NGAN

Top US economic advisor Larry Kudlow on Friday warned a threat to hit China with tariffs on up to $150 billion of imports is not a negotiating ploy — White House wants a change in Chinese behavior.

Indicating a tough stance that escalates the risks of a trade war between the world’s two largest economies, Kudlow told reporters that President Donald Trump believes China must end intellectual property theft.

“Trump is not just using tariffs as a negotiating card, he’s said that to me,” Kudlow warned. “Something has to change.”

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