News analysis

US Commerce Secretary sells Disneyland and Starbucks to China, but will Beijing bite?

Chinese Premier Li Qiang (right) told US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo that linking trade to political and security issues was detrimental. PHOTO: REUTERS
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BEIJING/WASHINGTON – From Disneyland and Starbucks to beauty aids and universities – these were among the goods and services that US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo touted during her visit to Beijing and Shanghai this week.

Her message? Bilateral trade in areas without national security concerns can be promoted, even as strategic assets such as high-end computer chips that preserve the United States’ technological edge over China must be protected.

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