BlackRock worries about China tensions as Asia braces for US protectionism

Singapore

BLACKROCK'S head of China equities, Helen Zhu, is keeping a close eye on US trade relations as equity markets across Asia contend with the consequences of US President Donald Trump's protectionist proposals.

An impending announcement following an investigation by the US Trade Representative's office into China's intellectual property practices, one that may lead to the imposition of tariffs on a wide range of Chinese imports, is her main concern. The Section 301 act is expected to have a "more significant impact" on both US and China macroeconomics, she said.