Party mouthpiece People’s Daily says the ‘clouds are starting to part’ – but the White House calls for ‘immediate attention’ to change the relationship
Chinese state media played down trade frictions with the United States after two days of talks in Beijing failed to break the deadlock, as Washington signalled it would not back down.
A commentary in the ruling Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily on Saturday described the talks by saying the “clouds are starting to part and the fog begins to disperse” after more than a month of “wind and rain”.
It said the talks marked a change from the recent tit-for-tat exchanges between Beijing and Washington and sent a positive signal for the global economy.
“China firmly defended its national interests in the face of menacing US protectionism, showed its resolve to never compromise its core interests, and refused America’s sky-high demands,” the commentary said.
But it added: “There is hope that the two nations will move away from confrontation and towards consultation.”
Talks between the trade representatives did not achieve any breakthroughs, and official documents seen by the South China Morning Post outlining demands from both sides indicated the rift was deep. Observers said they were concerned the trade squabbles could escalate.
The US delegation led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin left Beijing on Friday afternoon, earlier than expected, without meeting any Chinese leaders.
