CNBC reports: "The Trump administration ratcheted up its criticism of China in a report released by the White House on Tuesday detailing its claims of "economic aggression" by the Asian giant... China "has experienced rapid economic growth to become the world's second largest economy while modernizing its industrial base and moving up the global value chain. However, much of this growth has been achieved in significant part through aggressive acts, policies, and practices that fall outside of global norms and rules (collectively, 'economic aggression')," the White House report said in its opening. It goes on to describe practices through which China "seeks to access the crown jewels of American technology and intellectual property"... The trade dispute between the world's two largest economies escalated after Trump said in a statement late Monday that he had requested the United States Trade Representative to identify $200 billion worth of Chinese goods for additional tariffs... Beijing responded by saying China will protect its interests and it is prepared to fight back."
CNN reports: "It's not just the United States — European companies are worried about China's high-tech ambitions, too. In a report published Wednesday, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China reported "significant concerns" among its members about "Made in China 2025," Beijing's plan to boost industries like robotics, electric cars and computer chips with the aim of becoming a global leader in those areas. European firms operating in China fear such industrial policies "are tilting the playing field in favor of Chinese players," the report said... In its annual report, which surveyed 532 companies in February and March, the European chamber gave a more nuanced view. It said that 43% of firms reported they had seen "increased discrimination" under the 2025 plan, which is viewed as promoting Chinese businesses."
Reuters reports: "Chinese President Xi Jinping told visiting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday that with the joint efforts of the two countries, the Korean peninsula will definitely be peaceful and stable, official news agency Xinhua said. Xi made the comments during a meeting at Beijing's Diaoyutai state guest house, it added. Kim is in Beijing on the last day of a two-day visit."