China voices economic fears about Donald Trump presidency

Beijing's concerns about a further slowdown in trade come as political uncertainty and social tensions spread anxiety about global economy

China suffered a sharp drop in exports last year and there are fears its trading position will weaken further in 2017 with repercussions for the global economy if Donald Trump's protectionist policies prompt a trade war.

A week before the billionaire's inauguration as US president, Chinese authorities expressed their concern that Trump would follow through on pledges to impose high tariffs on imports from China and to brand the country a currency manipulator. The president-elect has long maintained that China has been devaluing its currency in order to make its exports more competitive on overseas markets.

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