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US Secretary of State Defends Tariffs on China, Cites 'Bad Behavior'

Cindy Saine

   In a speech Friday to a regional youth leadership program in Thailand,
   Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended new U.S. tariffs on China,
   saying, "We want free and fair trade, not trade that undermines
   competition."

   Pompeo's statements came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he
   would impose a 10 percent tariff on the remaining $300 billion in
   Chinese imports starting September first.

   Pompeo chided China for "decades of bad behavior" that have stalled
   free trade. "It's time for that to stop," he said.

   He also mentioned the massive anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
   "We also believe in human rights and freedom," he said. "The current
   unrest in Hong Kong clearly shows that the will and the voice of the
   governed will always be heard."

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