![Novichok – toxic questions about chemical at center of Skripal saga Novichok – toxic questions about chemical at center of Skripal saga](/files/en/news/2018/3/14/70933_182.jpg)
TEHRAN,
Young Journalists Club (YJC) -The public has learnt a new Russian word: Novichok or novice, as the UK claims it is a nerve agent that poisoned former double agent Sergei Skripal. But, as with many elements of this saga, this chemical raises many questions.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said Skripal and his daughter were poisoned by a military-grade nerve agent “Novichok,” allegedly developed by Russia. She claimed this was either “a direct action” by Moscow or the result of a loss of control over “its potentially catastrophically damaging nerve agent.” Speaking to MPs, she even said the cabinet had given Moscow one day to provide a “credible response” to the allegations.
“Violations of intellectual property rights and other unfair technology transfers potentially threaten United States firms by undermining their ability to compete fairly in the global market,” the executive order said.
Lighthizer cites Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes US authorities to create a “retaliation list” of goods to sanction in the event the US feels threatened economically.
Trump’s protectionist tactics were a part of his campaign promises to American voters, however, his actions have exacerbated tensions between Beijing and Washington.
As of December 2017, the US has run a massive $375 billion trade deficit with Beijing, but in order to cull America’s underperforming exports, Trump has persistently demanded that Chinese leadership draft a comprehensive proposal to reduce the deficit.
“China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States,” Trump tweeted on March 7. “Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon!”
Source: RT