US seeks trade ties with China that avoid national security risks

The United States is pursuing trade relations with China that would protect its national security interests, using import tariffs as a central tool, according to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

At a regular press briefing, Miller said the administration’s plan aims to prevent intellectual property theft and counter practices such as state subsidies and currency manipulation, which Washington believes contribute to trade imbalances, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The US government is also looking to ensure that Chinese goods are not dumped on the American market, and sees tariff revenues as a potential source of funding for planned tax cuts and structural reforms.

US President Donald Trump earlier expressed confidence that Washington and Beijing could reach a trade agreement. He emphasised that any new deal must benefit the United States and prevent annual economic losses of $1 trillion.

On April 2, Trump announced the introduction of customs tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories, with Russia notably excluded. A universal tariff of 10% came into effect on April 5, while individual rates were implemented on April 9.

On the same day, Trump suspended for 90 days the additional retaliatory tariffs imposed on certain countries. The White House said the pause was linked to ongoing trade negotiations, during which the 10% universal rate would remain in place.

The total US tariffs on Chinese goods now reach 145%, prompting China to raise tariffs on American imports to as high as 125% from April 12.

By Aghakazim Guliyev