China warns of pressure after Trump report

China's main official news agency is warning that US-Chinese relations will face "more pressure and challenges" following President Donald Trump's decision to label Beijing a rival in a national security report.

The Xinhua News Agency said the decision reflects a "victory of hardliners" in Trump's administration. It said Trump's stance "probably means Chinese-US economic and trade relations will face even more pressure and challenges".

Trump's report emphasised economic security and repeated complaints that China steals technology and uses "economic inducements" to persuade other governments to serve its strategic interests.

The Global Times newspaper published by the ruling Communist Party said the report "reflects Washington's reluctance to accept the reality of China's rise".