“China is willing to address core concerns
together with the U.S. on a basis of equality and
mutual respect, and to work to conclude our
discussions on the first phase” of a trade deal,
Gao told reporters at a weekly briefing.
“This will benefit China, the U.S. and the world,”
Gao said.
Financial markets have swung between elation
and gloom in recent days as conflicting reports
over the talks swirled. Some have cited officials
saying they believe a deal is likely by the year’s
end, while others have expressed skepticism.
Gao described such reports as “outside rumors
that are not at all reliable.”
President Donald Trump began imposing
punitive tariffs on Chinese exports nearly
18 months ago, citing trade and technology
policies that he says violate Beijing’s market-
opening commitments and are unfair.
Since then, tariffs have been raised by both
sides on billions of dollars’ worth of each other’s
exports, squeezing farmers and manufacturers.
A fresh set of tariffs is due to take effect Dec. 15
on about $160 billion of Chinese exports to the
U.S., including smartphones, laptops and other
consumer goods.
President Donald Trump had said he hoped
to sign a preliminary agreement with his
Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, at a regional
economic summit in Chile in mid-November
that was canceled due to protests. Prospects for
the two leaders to meet and sign a deal soon
appear uncertain.