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.
"Don't step in the trade deal!"