BEIJING (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is proceeding with plans for trade talks in Beijing on Saturday, U.S. officials said, after the Trump administration launched steel and aluminum tariffs on Western allies and renewed its tariff threats against China.
Two administration officials familiar with the matter said Ross’ negotiations of specific commitments on Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural and energy commodities would take place over the weekend despite a report that initial haggling with Beijing this week could delay or cancel it.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese officials were reluctant to get locked into long-term commitments.
The purchases are aimed at reducing the $375 billion U.S. trade deficit with China. Trump has demanded that China take steps to reduce the gap by $200 billion annually by 2020.
In Beijing, China reiterated its commitment to the current, rules-based trading system centered around the World Trade Organization.
While many countries share U.S. frustration over Chinese trade and economic practices, critics of U.S. policy under President Donald Trump have warned that Washington risks alienating the European Union, Canada and Mexico with 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminium.
“All countries, especially the major economies, should resolutely oppose all forms of trade and investment protectionism,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular media briefing, when asked about the U.S. move.
This weekend’s trade talks come as Washington is engaged in fragile negotiations towards what would be a historic summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whose main diplomatic backer is China.
Ross, who was preceded in Beijing
