BEIJING, Dec 11: China said on Tuesday constant US criticism over trade disputes was hurting economics ties, although the world powers agreed at top-level talks to cooperate on improving the safety of Chinese exports.

Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi used her opening remarks at an annual one-day trade meeting here to hit out at what she said was rising protectionist sentiment in the United States.

“There have been some disharmonious notes in China-US relations this year.

The inclination to politicise (trade) issues has increased,” Wu said.

“Trade restrictions, and protectionist measures, can only hurt both sides.” She was referring to a spate of bills introduced by US lawmakers that could lead to new legislation targeting alleged unfair Chinese trade practices, amid an ever-expanding trading imbalance between the two sides.

The United States’ trade deficit with China ballooned to $23.8 billion in September, up 5.5 per cent from August, according to the latest US figures.

The United States has also initiated action at the World Trade Organisation this year over trade disputes, including alleged Chinese intellectual property rights abuses and unfair industrial subsidies.—AFP