“Our economic relationship with China is deep but always evolving. These latest disputes are not new but there are agreed international institutions designed to settle trade differences,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today.
“Megaphone diplomacy or over-reactions from either side are not conducive to good outcomes.
“We have seen a rise globally in recent months of China lashing out at a range of trading partners. We are not alone in being subject to China trying to throw its weight around at a time of heightened global uncertainty.
“We shouldn’t be spooked by it, but we need to find ways to make the relationship work.
“This relationship is a two-way street and we both have a lot to contribute but it needs constant work and should never be taken for granted.
“We wish the Government well in settling down this current and apparent outbreak in trade tensions,” Mr Willox said.
AI Group