Global trade crisis: US, China and EU play blame game at WTO forum

The European Union and other allies generally agree with the White House's criticisms of China, but they disagree with President Trump's strong-arm tactics, such as tariffs to pressure China

The Americans accused the Chinese of being modern-day mercantilists who steal intellectual property. The Europeans accused the Americans of provoking a crisis in the world trading system, threatening the global economy.

And the Chinese invoked Spider-Man. Unlike Spidey, the Chinese emissary said, America is not using its superpowers with great responsibility.

The trash-talking by otherwise restrained diplomats took place at a normally dull occasion: a review of American trade policies at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.

The reviews, held every two years, usually attract only lower-ranking diplomats. They are intended to allow WTO members to explain their trade policies and for other