Conflicting messages, Beijing’s silence prompt questions on Capitol Hill
Conflicting White House messaging about a reported breakthrough on U. S.-Chinese trade disputes, coupled with relative silence from Beijing, left many American lawmakers unsure where, precisely, trade matters stand between the two economic giants.
For days, President Donald Trump has hailed agreements he says he reached with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, at the G-20 summit in Argentina, from a 90-day deferment of additional tariffs on each other’s exports to a Chinese commitment to purchase U. S. agricultural products to a reduction of China’s duties on American automobiles.
“I think it’s a good step,” North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis told VOA on Tuesday. “Now, what we need to see is formal acknowledgment. It’ll be interesting to see if that’s backed up by actions on the part of China.”
Chinese officials have confirmed no details of a trade breakthrough and withheld public comment so far.
Meanwhile, Trump’s top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, has clarified that there was an “assumption” China would eliminate auto tariffs, not a specific agreement. On Tuesday, both he and Trump suggested that the groundwork has been laid for a grand trade accord between Washington and Beijing, but that such a deal has yet to be reached.
“But if a fair deal is able to be made with China, one that does all of the many things we know must be finally done, I will happily sign. Let the negotiations begin,” the president tweeted.
“This was a huge first step,” Kudlow said. “I think we’re going to make great progress.
