Chinese trade talks team hints at broad agenda as October 15 tariffs deadline looms
- Liu He heads delegation to meet US’ Robert Lighthizer and Steven Mnuchin on Thursday and Friday
- Fresh US tariffs on Chinese goods are due to take effect next week
The delegation includes officials from the commerce ministry, central bank, information technology ministry and agricultural ministry, reflecting the agenda to be discussed.
But state media played down expectations, saying that concerns in the United States over Chinese meddling in American politics could complicate talks, and that China was prepared for a complete breakdown of negotiations.
They will meet the US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and the US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the Chinese ministry of commerce said in a brief statement.
The Chinese delegation also includes Commerce Minister Zhong Shan, People’s Bank of China governor Yi Gang, National Development and Reform Commission vice-director Ning Jizhe, vice-minister of finance Liao Min and vice-minister of foreign affairs Zheng Zeguang, the ministry said.