‘We All Hope’ US-China Trade Deal Possible by March 1, Says Foreign Ministry

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Beijing sidestepped questions Thursday about President Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting he might be willing to let the March 1 deadline “slide” for raising the 10 percent Section 301 tariffs to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports if U.S and China negotiators are close to reaching a comprehensive trade agreement (see 1902130040). Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are in Beijing for the latest round of trade talks that began Thursday. “We all hope that a deal could be reached,” said the spokesperson. “At present, all we could do is ensure that the two delegations could concentrate on having a good round of consultation and work for a mutually accepted and mutually beneficial outcome, which is also to the benefit of the world.”