The flurry of punitive measures taken against China by the Trump administration over the last few days was prompted by a belief among US officials that China has failed to live up to commitments it made in trade talks earlier this month,

What deal Trump was referring to was not clear. But the rhetoric was a sharp break from recent optimism when he lowered his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% for 90 days to allow for talks. China also reduced its taxes on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%.

WASHINGTON - Former US President Donald Trump on Friday accused China of "totally violating" its trade agreement with the United States, reigniting concerns over stalled negotiations between the world's two largest economies.