Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told CNBC on Monday that U.S. trade tariffs are hurting the Chinese economy and Beijing's ability to create jobs to stave off social unrest.
Ross appeared on "Squawk Box" as a new round of trade talks between the United States and China kicked off in Beijing on Monday. Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish is leading a working team in China for two days of discussions. China's foreign ministry said Monday both sides are expressing a will to work together in order to implement the consensus of their respective presidents.
In early December, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a temporary tariff ceasefire, giving both sides until March to reach agreement on trade issues, including what the U.S. calls forced technology transfers. Trade tensions between the world's two largest economies escalated last year. The U.S. announced tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, while Beijing countered with its own.
Before joining the White House, Ross made a fortune in the investment world, running W.L. Ross & Co., and buying stakes in distressed assets.
This is a breaking news story. Check back shortly for updates.
— CNBC's Evelyn Cheng and Everett Rosenfeld as well as Reuters contributed to this report.
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