Harris, Trump cross swords on China and economy in debate

WASHINGTON: US presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald Trump clashed on China and economic issues Tuesday, with the Democratic candidate saying he "sold us out" on China while the former president declared "they've destroyed the economy." "He ended up selling American chips to China to help them improve and modernize their military," said Harris in her first debate with Trump ahead of the November 5 election.

"(He) basically sold us out when a policy about China should be in making sure the United States of America wins the competition for the 21st century," she added. Harris's comments came as she and Trump crossed swords on various economic issues including the cost of living, inflation and her position on fracking. "He invited trade wars," Harris said, referring to a tit-for-tat escalation of tariffs between the United States and China during Trump's 2017-2021 presidency.

With Trump proposing across-the-board tariffs of 10 percent to 20 percent on all imports if reelected, Harris likened the plans to a "sales tax" -- given concerns that costs could be passed on to consumers. Trump is looking to impose a higher level of levies on imports from China, at 60 percent. Harris also took aim at Trump on Tuesday for thanking Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2020 for his country's handling of Covid-19, saying this was despite a lack of "transparency" about the virus's origins.