State of the Union: Trump promises to end the "theft" in China

US President Donald Trump has promised to end what he described as China's "theft" of American jobs.

In his second State of the Union address, Mr. Trump told the US Congress that a trade deal with China would require "structural changes to end unfair trade practices."

The speech comes before the last-minute talks between the two countries to reach an agreement on trade.

New rates could come into effect on March 1, at the end of a 90-day trade war truce.

• A quick guide to the US-China trade war

The United States and China are grappling with a damaging trade dispute that has led both parties to collect tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods.

According to US media reports, US negotiators are expected to arrive in Beijing this weekend ahead of next week's negotiations.

Major changes required

In his speech, Trump said the United States would take a firm stand.

"We are now clearly showing China that after years of targeting our industries and stealing our intellectual property, the theft of US jobs and wealth has come to an end," said Trump.

Last year, the United States applied tariffs of between 10% and 25% on Chinese goods valued at $ 250 billion.

Beijing has fought back with tariffs on $ 110 billion worth of US goods.

US tariffs are designed to protect US companies from Chinese competitors who can often produce goods at lower cost.

However, tariffs are often pbaded on in whole or in part to consumers, who pay higher prices.

In addition, a United Nations study released yesterday showed that, if Asian supply chains risk suffering tariffs, US companies will not see much benefit.

Rather, research has shown that European, Japanese, Canadian and Mexican firms would probably benefit the most.

• Why is China obliged to conclude a trade agreement?

In his speech, Mr. Trump also badyzed the trade policies of previous administrations.

"I do not blame China for taking advantage of us, and I blame our leaders and officials for letting this tragedy happen," he said.

"We are currently working on a new trade deal with China, but it must include structural changes to stop unfair trade practices, reduce our chronic trade deficit and protect American jobs."

China rejects US complaints

Trump's comments came as Beijing rejected a US report on China's compliance with the World Trade Organization.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the US Trade Representative's report was counter-factual and based on US domestic laws, Chinese state media reported.

The ministry said China strongly opposed unilateralism and protectionism and was committed to the development of economic globalization.

Reciprocal tariff powers

Mr Trump also asked for the adoption of additional legislation likely to extend his power to impose customs duties.

"Tonight, I also ask you to adopt the law on reciprocity of trade so that, if another country imposes an unfair tariff on an American product, we can apply to them exactly the same price as the product that we have. they sold us ".