BCN-19 China’s Xi holding up deal to resolve trade dispute: Trump adviser

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ZCZC

BCN-19

US-CHINA-TRADE-DISPUTE

China’s Xi holding up deal to resolve trade dispute: Trump adviser

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – A senior economic adviser to
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Chinese President Xi Jinping was
blocking an agreement to resolve the trade dispute with the United States.

“I think Xi is holding the game up,” said Larry Kudlow, director of the
White House National Economic Council. “I don’t think President Xi has any
intention of following through on the discussions we’ve made.”

Trump has imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum worldwide, as well on $34
billion in Chinese goods, with another $16 billion likely to be targeted
shortly, and $200 billion more to face duties as soon as September.

Trump is “dissatisfied with China” and is “keeping the pressure on,”
Kudlow said in an interview on CNBC, the television network where he worked
for before joining Trump’s staff.

China has retaliated in kind, as have other trading partners impacted by
the metals tariffs.

Kudlow said China could resolve the dispute “this afternoon” by simply
cutting tariffs, eliminating non-tariff barriers, and stopping the practice
of stealing US technology through forced transfers.

“Don’t blame Trump, blame China,” he said.

On the confrontation with Europe, which also has retaliated against US
metals duties, and faces a threat of tariffs on auto exports, Kudlow said he
believes the European Union is considering a compromise offer.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is due to meet with
Trump in Washington July 25 and “I’m told he’s bringing a very important free
trade offer … that could lower barriers,” Kudlow said. “We may be
pleasantly surprised.”

BSS/AFP/HR/1038