China calls US ‘irresponsible’ over tech deal
November 25, 2013, 10:42 am

The ITA negotiations aim to cut tariffs on technology products like PCs, laptops, telephones, fax machines, computer software and semi-conductors [AP]

“It is irresponsible for the US to discard the consensus that has been agreed by most of the countries only because the deal cannot meet its own requirement for several products,” Gao said.

The ITA negotiations aim to cut tariffs on technology products like PCs, laptops, telephones, fax machines, computer software and semi-conductors.

On Thursday, the US decided to discard a consensus agreed by 78 countries that covers tax exemptions on about 200 items, involving trade volume of $451.57 billion.

Washington made the decision after China refused to grant tax exemptions on several products, Gao said.

“China has been pushing forward ITA expansion negotiations since September and understands that each country has different requirements. However, demands made by the US far exceeded what is acceptable to Chinese enterprises,” according to the statement.

Gao said Chinese companies would be left in a weaker position if the US “got its way”, also stating that the dashed deal has disappointed most participants.

The commerce minister urged all sides to find a proper solution and reach an agreement as soon as possible.

Gao said US demands far exceeded what was acceptable to Chinese companies.

“The US is unwilling to make any necessary concessions and has turned a blind eye to the big differences between Chinese and US firms, ignoring the appeals by the Chinese side,” he said.

The minister said due account should be taken of the different levels of development of the countries involved in the negotiations.

Source: Agencies