China slams U.S. Commerce nominee Ross' comments on protectionism

Record ID: 164886

  • Title: China slams U.S. Commerce nominee Ross' comments on protectionism
  • Date: 19th January 2017
  • Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (JANUARY 19, 2017) (REUTERS) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING WALKING IN FOR REGULAR BRIEFING MEDIA SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING SAYING: "I think under the current circumstances, who is sincerely and vigorously promoting the liberalization of trade and investment and who is engaged in (trade) protectionism? I think it is clear to everyone. The answer might be just the opposite to Mr Ross'." BRIEFING IN PROGRESS EXTERIOR OF CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY CHINESE NATIONAL FLAG FLYING
  • Embargoed: 2nd February 2017 09:59
  • Keywords: China USA Wilbur Ross protectionism
  • Location: BEIJING, CHINA
  • City: BEIJING, CHINA
  • Country: China
  • Topics: Government/Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA0015ZQYDS7
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: China's Foreign Ministry dismissed on Thursday (January 19) U.S. Commerce nominee Wilbur Ross' comments calling the world's second largest economy the "most protectionist".
    The 79-year-old billionaire vowed to level the playing field for U.S. companies competing with Chinese imports and those trying to do business in China.
    His comments came a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping took the stage in Davos, Switzerland, to defend free trade and make the case for a greater global leadership role for Beijing, describing China's economy as "wide open."
    In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying slammed Ross' comments.
    "I think under the current circumstances, who is sincerely and vigorously promoting the liberalization of trade and investment and who is engaged in (trade) protectionism? I think it is clear to everyone. The answer might be just the opposite to Mr Ross.," she told a regular news briefing in Beijing.
    Ross also was critical of moves by Chinese firms to buy control of U.S. entertainment and distributors when Beijing was denying such opportunities to U.S. firms in China.
    Billionaire investor Ross, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's choice for commerce secretary, made his fortune turning around troubled companies in steel, auto parts, textiles and other industries.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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