China Denies Slow-Walking Trade Talks for Better Deal With a New President

The Chinese denied President Donald Trump's allegations they're dragging their feet in U.S. trade talks in hopes of winning a more favorable deal with a new administration in 2021. “China's position, attitude and practice on the trade issue with the U.S. is consistent,” said a Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Wednesday. “We never wanted a trade war. We always hope to reach a mutually acceptable win-win solution through equal-footed and respectful consultation.” There’s “a lot of rational voice” within the U.S. “hoping for the early conclusion of an agreement to prevent further escalation of the trade friction,” and the Trump administration “should heed the call,” she said. Trump is sure China “would love to be dealing with a new administration so they could continue their practice of ‘ripoff USA’” to the tune of $600 billion a year, tweeted the president Sept. 3.