Deputy United States Trade Representative and Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dennis Shea criticized on Monday China's policies in regards to trade and foreign investment, calling it "mercantilist" and "unfair." He asserted that Beijing uses "non-market industrial policies" to protect domestic industries and restrict foreign companies, causing "serious harm" US businesses and going against the rules of international trade.
Shea also touched on the issue of reforming the organization, which is being pushed by the European Union and others, while resisted by the US. However, he stated that the US acknowledges the need for reform and wants to be at its forefront.
The diplomat also rejected claims that Washington is pursuing unilateral protectionism, stating that the US "maintains one of the world's most open trade regimes that is firmly based in the rule of law." He explained that his country also wants to build closer ties with those countries which share the same economic values of free market and trade.
