Trump accuses China of ‘vicious’ tactics on trade

US President Donald Trump has accused China of “vicious” tactics on trade as he prepares for tough negotiations with European leaders in an escalating trade battle among world powers.

Mr Trump tweeted that China was specifically targeting US farmers with retaliatory tariffs because “they know I love & respect” them.

His comments came after his administration announced a plan to provide $US12 billion (£9 billion) in emergency relief for farmers who have been hit by the President’s trade disputes with China and other countries.

Addressing the China trade relationship, Mr Trump wrote on Twitter: “They are being vicious in what will be their failed attempt. We were being nice until now!”

Chinese President Xi Jinping said at an international summit in South Africa that the world faces “a choice between co-operation and confrontation”, in remarks that criticised escalating US tariffs on goods from China and other major trading partners.

Mr Xi warned that those who pursue “economic hegemony” will “only end up hurting themselves”.

The President is to meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and other European officials at the White House as their trade dispute threatens to spread to car production.

Mr Trump has placed tariffs on imported steel and aluminium, saying they pose a threat to US national security, an argument that the European Union and Canada rejects. He has also threatened to impose tariffs on imported cars, trucks and car parts.