Japan’s Aso, Chinese officials endorse global trade system

Japan’s finance minister and Chinese officials have pledged support for the multilateral system of global trade regulation ahead of a possible new round of U.S. tariff hikes in a battle over Beijing’s technology policy. Taro Aso, who was in Beijing for financial talks, made no mention of China‘s tariff war with President Donald Trump but said Friday that the two sides agreed “protectionist measures” help no country. Aso gave no indication whether they discussed Chinese industrial policies and curbs on foreign business that are the core of disputes with Washington, Europe and other trading partners. Read more here