U.S., China to attempt revival of trade negotiations
  • 6 years ago
The U.S. and China are set to revive trade negotiations that ended unsuccessfully in June,... with a meeting in Washington on Wednesday, local time.
However, neither side is optimistic of making much progress.
Lee Seung-jae reports.
The world's two biggest economic powerhouses are set to take another stab at easing their trade tensions,... as U.S. Treasury Under Secretary David Malpass will meet with his Chinese counter Wang Shouwen in Washington on Wednesday.
The meeting will be the first between senior officials since June,... when talks between U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Vice Premier Liu He ended without an agreement.
According to U.S. and Chinese officials,... this week's talks will center on a list of more than 140 specific demands,... which were originally drafted by the Trump administration for the first round of trade talks in May.
This includes the U.S. wanting China to raise the value of its currency.
Sources say,... in a private discussion with U.S. counterparts,... Chinese officials have indicated they would be willing to implement or discuss about two-thirds of the demands.
However, neither side is optimistic the upcoming meeting can succeed where three earlier rounds have failed.
In an interview with Reuters on Monday,... President Trump said he had low expectations for the talks,... and the U.S. was in no rush to resolve the dispute.
Beijing officials have said that Trump's constant provocations have made it extremely difficult for them to offer conciliatory gestures.
Despite many American businesses being affected by the recent tit-for-tat measures,... observers say Trump believes he can win a trade war with China.
This, according watchers,... adds to the chance that President Trump will proceed with his latest threat to hit China with tariffs on another 200-billion dollars worth of goods.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
Recommended