China Criticises 'Negative Content' in US Defence Bill, Says It Would Further Damage Relations

Beijing: Beijing on Friday criticised "negative content" about China in legislation before the US Congress, saying it would further damage relations already roiled by disputes over trade and technology.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the draft National Defense Authorization Act, if passed, would undermine efforts to mutually overcome obstacles.

"We express firm opposition to the US Senate's approval of the act containing negative content related to China," Geng told reporters at a daily briefing.

"Once the act becomes a law, it will damage China-US relations and disrupt bilateral cooperation in some important areas."

The bill blocks transfer of sensitive technology to China and prevents Chinese state companies from receiving US federal funds.

Geng's comments came a day before President Donald Trump is to meet his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, amid hopes the leaders will call a truce in the ongoing disputes.

Geng said the two sides are in close communication over preparations for the meeting "We hope that the US can meet China halfway and work together with us to promote a positive result of the meeting," Geng said.

"This is in the interest of both countries and also meets the common expectation of the international community."

The US accuses Beijing of stealing technology and forcing foreign companies to hand over trade secrets as part of a drive to end America's technological supremacy.

Trump has already imposed 25 per cent tariffs on USD 250 billion in imports from China and is threatening to tax an additional USD 300 billion worth, covering

virtually everything China exports to the United States. China has retaliated by imposing tariffs on USD 110 billion in U.S. imports.

Negotiations on a resolution have been stalemated since last month after the administration accused Beijing of backtracking on previous commitments.

While the sides are hoping Trump and Xi can agree to some kind of truce in Osaka, the odds of an enduring agreement being reached are considered low.