WASHINGTON: US and Chinese officials say a historic deal ending their ongoing trade war could be imminent, but a key question is how can Washington be sure Beijing will live up to its end of the bargain?With up to 100 Chinese officials reportedly expected next week in Washington, with the possibility of unveiling a grand agreement after months of tensions, that question is hanging over the talks.Beijing may make eye-popping offers to buy American energy and agriculture exports as a means of cutting the soaring US-China trade deficit (US$378.7 billion in 2018, including services trade), but all eyes will be on whether the agreement has any teeth.US Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday the enforcement mechanism would be key to the decision on whether to remove the punishing US tariffs which now cover more than US$250 billion in Chinese imports."The reason enforcement has become central to this negotiation is the long history of China not living up to the spirit of the commitments it … [Read more...] about US-China trade dilemma: How to hold Beijing’s feet to the fire
Beijing
US, China trade talks to begin in Beijing
US and China will begin a fresh round of talks in Beijing on Tuesday as they seem to edge closer to resolve their damaging trade dispute. The US delegation will be led by Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin while the Chinese side will be represented by Vice Premier Liu He, the US media reported. Talks have dragged on for months, with both sides struggling to agree on key issues. The two sides are seeking to end a bitter trade war that began last year as a result of US President Donald Trump's protectionist agenda and his criticism of China's trade policies. The US, which accuses China of unfair trading practices, imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese products in 2018. Beijing retaliated with duties on $110 billion worth of American products. Tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods were due to more than double at the beginning of the year, increasing from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. But both countries agreed to suspend … [Read more...] about US, China trade talks to begin in Beijing
US trade negotiators arrive in Beijing for more talks
BEIJING: Top American negotiators arrived in Beijing on Tuesday (Apr 30) hoping for progress in a new round of talks with Chinese counterparts as they home in on a deal to end a months-long trade war.The US side indicated before their trip that China's massive industrial subsidies would be a top issue as the world's two leading economies seek to resolve a dispute that has included bruising tit-for-tat tariffs on US$360 billion worth of goods.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are leading the US side for this week's 10th round of high-level negotiations, with Vice Premier Liu He representing Beijing.Liu is then expected to travel to Washington on May 8 to continue the negotiations."We hope to make substantial progress in these two meetings," Mnuchin told reporters at his hotel in Beijing ahead of the talks.Mnuchin declined to say what would be discussed but he told the New York Times that the talks would continue to focus on China's practise of … [Read more...] about US trade negotiators arrive in Beijing for more talks
Seventh heaven: Beijing set win record to start Chinese season
SHANGHAI: Roger Schmidt praised his side's thirst for victory after Beijing Guoan made it a record seventh win in a row since the start of the Chinese Super League season.No team in the Chinese top flight has begun a campaign so well and it makes the German coach's team early favourites to win the CSL.Spanish attacking midfielder Jonathan Viera hit a hat-trick in a 4-1 thrashing of Dalian Yifang on Sunday (Apr 28) to extend Beijing's perfect run.Fans are dreaming of a first league championship since 2009, but former Bayer Leverkusen coach Schmidt cautioned: "The league is very long. There are 30 games in total and we have only finished seven games."Of course, we played well and played good football. But I think we still need to maintain a modest, prudent and down-to-earth mentality."Guoan's title credentials will be put to the test on Saturday when they travel to Fabio Cannavaro's Guangzhou Evergrande, who are three points behind in second."My boys were very good today and have … [Read more...] about Seventh heaven: Beijing set win record to start Chinese season
PM Lee meets Djibouti president, visits horticultural expo in Beijing
BEIJING: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday (Apr 28) met President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing.The two leaders reaffirmed the friendly relations between both countries, said the Prime Minister’s Office.They also discussed potential cooperation in the areas of urban development, port and maritime development, logistics as well as the digital economy during the morning meeting.Later in the day, Mr Lee visited the 2019 International Horticultural Exposition in Beijing’s Yanqing district – a mega expo featuring rare plants and more than 100 gardens from different countries.Mr Lee, accompanied by Mrs Lee, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and other Government officials, toured the China Pavilion and the Singapore Garden.The latter, designed by a 20-member team from the National Parks Board who started work since end-2017, is a 1,000 sq m garden featuring vertical greenery and … [Read more...] about PM Lee meets Djibouti president, visits horticultural expo in Beijing