Alibaba executive warns Trump of danger of China dispute

Vice chairman of Alibaba Joe Tsai has aimed a warning in the direction of Donald Trump as the New York businessman prepares to take over ther White House in January, claiming that the US will be damaged by a breakdown in relations with China.

Trump pledged during his campaign to rip up trade deals with the likes of Mexico and China in order to bring jobs back to the US, something many economists say would be very difficult to achieve.

Alibaba is the biggest commerce group in the world, and the Chinese company is also listed in the United States following its $21.8bn IPO in 2014.

"If Chinese investors cannot invest in the US and create more jobs in the US, then you would be in trouble. We think the relationship between China and the US will define our century and be crucial for both countries, as well as the rest of the world," said Tsai.

"The relationship between the US and China is absolutely crucial for everybody in the world," he added.

Alibaba is the latest tech giant to express its concerns about the reality of a Trump presidency, which was confirmed early on Wednesday after the Republican romped to victory against Hillary Clinton.

Worries abound that Trump will oppose further takeovers by US tech companies by their Chinese counterparts.

"When you are in the position of president you have a responsibility to look out for your country and the best solution for America is to engage with the rest of the world because we live in a global market place," concluded Tsai.