China faces challenge by US to legitimate development goals
The latest trade talks have exposed the yawning gulf in positions between Beijing and Washington, and compromise may prove difficult to reach
Before the first round of Sino-US talks attempting to head off a looming trade war, Chinese officials declared there would be no compromise on the country’s fundamental interests.
That anticipated unacceptable demands from the Americans, and differences between the two sides appear irreconcilable. On reflection, expectations of a breakthrough may have been unrealistic.
Analysts said the opening round served only to communicate each side’s position and draw the lines for negotiation. Evidence of that is news that Vice-Premier Liu He, the top economic adviser to President Xi Jinping, will visit Washington as early as next week to resume talks.
The agendas unveiled by the two sides illustrate the yawning gulf they must bridge.
The US position in particular defied reason and rationality, both economically and diplomatically. It looked more like an ambit claim than one to be taken seriously. That said, the two sides did not rule out compromise, which is the only way forward if the world is to avoid a damaging trade war.