Donald Trump launches charm offensive, calling Liu He one of the world’s ‘most respected men’
- American president makes the remark as two sides signal progress in talks
- US trade representatives prepare for Beijing mission after three goals are identified
US President Donald Trump proclaimed Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He “one of the most respected men” in the world on Thursday, as both sides signalled progress in two days of trade talks ahead of a March 1 deadline to avert further tariffs.
Trump acknowledged what he called the “tremendous progress” on sticking points such as forced technology transfers and Beijing’s agreement to buy 5 million tonnes of American soybeans before an official deal was reached, a move he described as a “fantastic sign of faith”.
At the White House, Trump said he had a “very, very strong relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders are set to meet “maybe once and maybe twice” to iron out the final details of an agreement, the US president said.
The event appeared to reinforce the positive statements released by China and the US after the latest negotiations, with Trump praising Liu as a friend.
“He has become – he is truly one of the most respected men in Asia, one of the most respected men in all of China, and, frankly, one of the most respected men anywhere in the world,” Trump said from his desk, flanked by senior officials including Vice-President Mike Pence, Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.
Liu, a Harvard-educated economist, sat at the right of Trump’s desk, eschewing the services of an interpreter and speaking slowly in English after the president complimented his “very good English”.