China, S Korea hit out at US for tariffs on washing machines, solar panels

Seoul

SOUTH Korea and China protested on Tuesday against US President Donald Trump slapping steep import tariffs on washing machines and solar panels in a move that stirred fears in Asia of more protectionist measures coming out of Washington.

For all his rhetoric to win votes, Mr Trump's actions on trade during his first year had been less alarming than many outside the country had feared - until now.

"It shows that the US administration, after taking its time, it's now indeed starting to roll out measures restricting trade with the idea of living up to the promises made during the electoral campaign…