US Warns China Against Retaliation on Foreign Firms Supporting Critical Industries Amid Trade Tensions

The Trump administration has taken a firm stance against China's recent economic actions that it views as coercive and detrimental to U.S. interests. The U.S. State Department tightened visa restrictions on Central American nationals allegedly working to undermine the rule of law on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, prompting China to lodge serious protests and accuse the U.S. of political and economic coercion. Concurrently, President Trump expressed optimism about negotiating a fair trade deal with China, emphasizing his positive relationship with President Xi Jinping while warning of significant consequences for China if it fails to engage constructively in trade with the U.S. Additionally, the administration warned China against retaliating against foreign companies investing in critical American industries, particularly in shipbuilding, after Beijing sanctioned U.S. units of a South Korean shipping company involved in maritime sector investments. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer characterized China's actions as part of a broader pattern of economic pressure aimed at influencing American politics and controlling global supply chains. These developments underscore escalating tensions between the U.S. and China amid ongoing efforts to safeguard American economic and security interests.