“We hope the U.S. can show sincerity and meet China half way, to promote a proposal that both countries can accept,” he added.

Experts say Beijing has attempted to exert its influence through American companies.

Lighthizer said in a statement criticizing China’s “egregious” tariffs on U.S. autos that he was taking such action at the direction of President Donald Trump.

It is part of a wider push by Beijing into Latin America that has alarmed the United States, which views the region as its backyard and is suspicious of China’s motives.

Vietnam and Thailand are emerging as preferred destinations, but they still face capacity constraints ranging from red-tape to skilled labor and limited infrastructure.

Since March, when the tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum went into effect, the Commerce Department has approved a higher share of exclusion requests that include imports from China than it has from American allies like Japan and Canada.

President, in interview, calls it ‘highly unlikely’ that U.S. would hold off on increase to 25% on $200 billion of goods.

Cui Tiankai urges companies concerned about forced technology transfer to report cases to Beijing.

Silicon Valley concerned that export controls aimed at China could miss the target.

Two policemen have been killed and a security guard injured in an armed attack on the Chinese consulate in the Pakistani coastal city of Karachi.