US snubs Xi Jinping’s signature import showcase

The Trump administration is snubbing Xi Jinping’s big import expo in Shanghai next month.

Xi Jinping welcomes Donald Trump to Beijing last November. Picture: AP

The Trump administration has snubbed Xi Jinping’s import expo in Shanghai next month, refusing to send a senior official to an event that is pulling politicians and businesspeople from across the world.

While Australia and other countries are sending their trade ministers to the expo, the US ­embassy in Beijing said it had no plans for any high-level government participation.

“We encourage China to level the playing field for US goods and services,” a spokesman said.

“China needs to make the necessary reforms to end its unfair trade practices that are harming the world economy.”

To run from November 5 to 10, the first China International ­Import Expo is an initiative by Mr Xi to provide a platform for foreign companies to sell into China. It was announced after Mr Xi outlined his push to continue to open up the Chinese economy at the Davos forum in January last year.

The embassy spokesman ­declined to give a reason why the US was not sending a ministerial delegation. But its refusal to participate on a political level, at a time when the Trump administration has been urging China to further open up its markets, has been criticised by the Chinese government as contradictory.

“On the one hand, the US side requires China to open its market to US products and services,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

“On the other hand, when we open our door to embrace guests from all over the world, the US is reluctant to send officials to China. What the US did contradicts with what it said.”

Ms Hua said the expo showed China’s willingness to open its doors to the rest of the world.

She said more than 2800 companies from more than 130 countries and regions had confirmed their participation, including ­almost 180 US enterprises such as Microsoft, Intel, General Electric, Disney and United Airlines.

Australia is planning a high-level delegation to be led by Trade Minister Simon Birmingham backed by representatives of state governments and companies involved in Australia-China trade.

The US move could give an edge to Australia which has ­arranged a key spot in the expo centre near the entrance for its showcase pavilion.

While there are questions on how much actual business will be done at the event, Australia and other countries are regarding it as an opportunity to showcase their best products to be sold into China.

The snub will make it harder for the US companies, which are also hoping to use the event to sell their goods to the Chinese market.