“For too long,China’s lack of adherence to global trading norms has undercut the prosperity of Americans and others around the world,” Tai said in a speech to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank.
“In recent years,Beijing has doubled down on its state-centred economic system.
“It is increasingly clear that China’s plans do not include meaningful reforms to address the concerns that have been shared by the United States and many other countries.”
Tai said that,rather than promote high-minded notions of global free trade,the US “must defend – to the hilt – our economic interests” above all else.
“That means taking all steps necessary to protect ourselves against the waves of damage inflicted over the years through unfair competition,” she said.
Tai said she planned to have “frank conversations” with her counterpart in China in the coming days to discuss China’s performance inthe phase one trade agreement struck between former president Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year.