China Won’t Confirm Vice Premier Will Travel to US Jan. 30-31 for Trade Talks

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson wouldn’t confirm reports that Vice Premier Liu He will travel to Washington Jan. 30-31 to continue talks with the Trump administration on a comprehensive trade agreement. Reaching an agreement by March 2 could forestall administration plans to hike Section 301 tariffs to 25 percent on $200 billion in Chinese imports (see 1901100008). The U.S. and China “are now in close communication,” said the spokesperson Wednesday. “The two sides are making positive efforts” to reach an agreement “that is mutually beneficial and win-win through trade negotiations and consultations,” she said. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative didn't comment.