U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says Washington needs to create a painful environment for trading partners with high trade barriers. <br /> He made the comments during a CNBC interview on Thursday, adding such measure were required to achieve President Trump's ultimate goal of lower barriers and a level playing field.<br />He also singled out China, saying it's "compounded by their disrespect of intellectual property, the forced technology transfers, the cybersecurity breaches."<br /> China's commerce ministry hit back, accusing the U.S. of being "protectionist" and "blackmailing" by threatening to impose further tariffs on Chinese goods. <br />It also said trade talks between both countries were being put at risk due to Washington's unpredictable and hostile manner. <br />The ministry was responding to Trump's threat earlier this week to impose 200 billion dollars of Chinese imports with ten percent tariffs if Beijing retaliates to his previous duties announcement. <br />
