thank you, donald.......
it may seem obvious, but i have come
to learn asking such things may sometimes
justify a small embarrassment. <g>
speaking of embarrassment....
what alternative would one suggest here?
Saturday September 12, 9:25 pm Eastern Time
China hints at retaliation over U.S.trade rule-RPT
BEIJING, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Beijing has expressed regret over emergency U.S. restrictions on China exports packed in untreated wooden crates, and hinted at retaliation if the United States failed to reconsider the measure, state media reported.
''The unilateral action taken by the U.S. could impact the normal development of Sino-American trade, and would damage economic cooperation between the two countries,'' China's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation was quoted as saying on China Central Television on Saturday.
''China expresses concern and regret over the matter, and reserves the right to further reactions,'' the report said.
''China opposes all forms of trade protectionism and hopes the U.S. will solemnly reconsider its decision,'' it said.
The U.S. restrictions, to take full effect in 90 days, are aimed at eradicating the Asian long-horned beetle, which can ravage hardwood trees and forests.
The beetle has been found in 26 sites in the United States -- mostly around import warehouses and all traceable to larvae surviving in wooden packing material from China, the U.S. Agriculture Department said.
Between one-quarter and one-half of China's $62 billion in annual exports to the United States are packed in wooden crates and would be subject to the restrictions, Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman said.
But he added that if China took the proper steps, the move would not affect its exports.
China said it ''hoped the quarantine departments and experts of both sides engage in sincere and effective cooperation to achieve an appropriate settlement,'' the report said. |
