Obama, speaking of China, says no trading system will work if trade agreements aren’t enforced

Obama says trade agreements must be enforced

NEW YORK — President Barack Obama is defending his decision to impose punitive tariffs on imported Chinese tires.

In a speech Monday in New York, Obama said he took action because trade agreements must be enforced in order for trading systems to work. He says he did not act to be provocative or to promote protectionism.

China has protested the move.

In his remarks, the president said expanded trade and new trade agreements are essential to U.S. economic growth. He also says enforcing trade agreements is part of maintaining an open and free trading system.