White House warns China tariffs not a negotiating ploy

National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow speaks during an interview in front of the White House on April 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. / AFP PHOTO / Mandel NGAN

Indicating a tough stance that escalates the risks of a trade war between the world’s two largest economies, Kudlow told reporters that President Donald Trump believes China must end intellectual property theft.

“Trump is not just using tariffs as a negotiating card, he’s said that to me,” Kudlow warned. “Something has to change.”