High-level trade talks between the U.S. and China ended on Friday with no apparent breakthrough, after which top U.S. officials said they were returning to the U.S. to talk to President Trump about “next steps.”
The White House said in a statement that Trump’s advisers “affirmed that fair trade will lead to faster growth for the Chinese, United States, and world economies.”
“The size and high level of this delegation illustrates the importance that the Trump administration places on securing fair trade and investment terms for American businesses and workers,” it added.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin led the delegation to Beijing this week, which included Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, newly-appointed National Economic Council Chairman Larry Kudlow, and the president’s top trade adviser Peter Navarro.
Mnuchin told reporters earlier Friday he expected his discussions with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He to go smoothly. However, the statement issued Friday afternoon gave no sign that any progress was made.
Chinese state media later described existing disagreements between Beijing and the U.S. delegation as “relatively big,” following the conclusion of talks on Friday, hours before Trump told reporters at the White House he would have “some incredible trade deals” to announce.
“My people are coming back right now from China and we will be doing one thing or another,” Trump said. “I have great respect for President Xi [Jinping], that’s why we’re being so nice.”
