China hits out at US with scathing response to trade deal with UK
China has expressed dissatisfaction with a recent trade deal between the US and the UK, facilitated by Donald Trump. The agreement, announced on May 7, offers relief from US tariffs on UK car and steel exports. However, China fears that this deal could harm its interests if the UK reduces its reliance on Chinese products. Beijing emphasized that bilateral agreements should not negatively impact third parties and warned of potential countermeasures if China’s interests are compromised. Chinese officials view the agreement as a deliberate move to isolate China, and they urge a direct discussion with the UK.
Meanwhile, the UK government maintains that the deal will protect jobs and businesses while continuing to value trade with China. Although the agreement includes favorable conditions for UK exports, it also imposes requirements regarding supply chain security and production facility ownership. Trump’s baseline 10 percent tariff on other British goods remains in place, suggesting that the deal is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
