A piece in the South China Morning Post paints what was apparently the scenario that led to the break down of US China trade talks

On April 30, Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He made an unusual request of his American guests Robert Lighthizer and Steven Mnuchin, who were in Beijing for talks

  • Liu wanted to have a private meeting
  • The three (accompanied by a Chinese interpreter) they entered a small room
  • Spoke for nearly an hour

When they emerged, they did not give any briefings or instructions to their aides. But their expressions were stern and gloomy, according to a person who was present. A sense of foreboding permeated the meeting hall, but nobody dared to ask why.

Five days later, the once hopeful negotiations took a sudden turn. US President Donald Trump announced on Twitter on May 5 that the United States would increase tariffs from 10 per cent to 25 per cent on US$200 billion of Chinese goods.

You'll recall at the time the US had said China back tracked on commitments. Not so says this piece:

  • "The real reason is that the US side keep changing their demands," one source said. "There were so many changes that we can't [keep giving in]. And then they turned around and accused us of backtracking."

Who knows?

Justin had the story yesterday, this post just an ICYMI

SCMP article in full is here.

A piece in the South China Morning Post  paints what was apparently the scenario that led to the break down of US China trade talks

"Don't step in the trade deal!"