China’s trade ministry edits trade war out of minister’s speech – but makes US ties a priority for 2019
- Transcript of speech at annual work planning meeting is published with sections removed, but commerce ministry puts onus on relations with the US
- Ministry also vows to use further import expos and free-trade zones to boost imports of products China needs
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has published the transcript of a speech delivered by its minister to its annual work conference on Saturday but omitted the parts related to the trade war with the US.
In a file attached to a brief statement about the ministry’s annual work planning meeting, the speech by commerce minister Zhong Shan at the meeting was edited, with the sections about China’s handling of the trade war, the country’s trade prospects and specific measures marked “being omitted”.
It is a common practice in China for speeches by ministers at work conferences to be kept classified, with only brief summaries published. However, it is rare for a ministry to publish an incomplete speech transcript.
The Chinese government is trying to control the trade war narrative seen by the public as it continues intense talks with Washington to seek a deal to end the ongoing trade dispute.
The ministry’s news office did not answer the South China Morning Post’s phone calls on Sunday seeking comment.