China: Trade penalties will hurt US relations

WASHINGTON (AP): President Barack Obama's decision to impose trade penalties on Chinese tires has infuriated Beijing at a time when the United States badly needs Chinese help on climate change, nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea and the global economy.

China condemned the White House's announcement late Friday as protectionist and said it violated global trade rules. At home, the punitive tariffs on all car and light truck tires coming into the U.S. from China may placate union supporters who are important to the president's health care push.