Trump, Who Postponed Trade Negotiations, Says "No Talks with China"

First Mention After Decision to Postpone Step 1 Trade Agreement Implementation Review Meeting
Cautious Response of "Let's Wait and See" on Possible Termination

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been continuously criticizing China, publicly announced that he has postponed trade negotiations with China. Recently, the U.S. abruptly postponed the review meeting on the implementation of the Phase 1 trade agreement with China, suggesting that this reflected President Trump's intention.

On the 18th (local time), at an election rally held in Yuma, Arizona, President Trump told reporters, "We have postponed trade negotiations with China," adding, "I do not want to talk with China right now." When asked whether he would cancel the trade agreement with China, he left room for possibility by saying, "Let's see."

Earlier, the Trump administration suddenly postponed the trade agreement implementation meeting scheduled for the 15th, which was to be attended by high-level officials including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, sparking various speculations.

President Trump's remarks on this day are interpreted as an election strategy to leverage the China issue to his advantage in the November 3 U.S. presidential election. Even just appearing to pressure China without canceling the trade agreement is seen as a way to rally his support base during the campaign.

According to the Phase 1 trade agreement, China is required to import $172.7 billion worth of U.S. products by the end of this year. Currently, China has imported about $40 billion worth of products. The remaining amount exceeds $130 billion. Although President Trump emphasizes that the trade agreement with China "cannot be compensation for something that has lost its life," the amount is not negligible.

China, on the other hand, is in no hurry. It believes that its purchasing power will serve as a shield against the offensives from the U.S. and other Western countries.

A source from the Chinese diplomatic circles explained, "China's purchasing power is a shield that can counter the offensives from the U.S. and other Western countries against Chinese companies such as Huawei, as well as issues related to Hong Kong, Taiwan, South China Sea sovereignty, and the Xinjiang Uyghur matter. Depending on China's economic growth in the second half of this year, China will use its purchasing power to the fullest extent in negotiations."

There is also a view that China will keep in mind the calculation that if President Trump fails to be re-elected, the trade card could be used as a new card for a turning point.

Regarding this, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 19th (local time), citing a source from Joe Biden's Democratic presidential campaign, that while Biden believes China should be checked on a broad scale, he will pursue a trade policy different from President Trump's. Because of this, there is speculation that if Biden takes office, there will be changes to 'America First' as well.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.