US-China trade talks continue amid tariffs increase by Trump on Chinese products

WASHINGTON: The United States has increased tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on imported Chinese products such as cell phones, computers, clothing and toys.

The move by the US President Donald Trump with regards to increasing tariffs on Chinese goods worth US$ 200 billion came as the trade talks between the two Countries haven’t so far yielded a fruitful result.

Though their respective representatives the US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer & the US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and the Chinese Vice Prime Minister Liu He-led delegation will again meet in Washington on Friday for another round of talks with aim to reach a trade deal.

Talking to the Chinese State-run TV Channel, Liu He said that he had come to the talks “with sincerity” but that they had “run into some problems.”

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has expressed its deep regret over the US move, and warned that China will not succumb to any pressure. China also threatened to retaliate; however, it didn’t mention what measures it would take.

Separately, Russia has urged the international community to continue trade with Iran despite US sanctions.

In a statement published on its official website, the Russia Foreign Ministry condemned US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal as well as pressure tactics by Washington on other countries to stop trade with Iran.

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