“The trade war started with the imposition of
tariffs, and it should also end with the abolition
of tariffs,” Gao said at a regular news briefing.
“This is an important condition for the two sides
to reach an agreement.”
Negotiators are “discussing this in depth,”
Gao said.
Details of the Oct. 12 agreement have not
yet been released. But it doesn’t address
basic disputes about trade, Chinese industrial
subsidies and technology policy.
Economists say a final settlement is unlikely this
year. Some have expressed skepticism the two
sides can complete the “Phase 1” deal.
Also Thursday, Asian stock markets fell after The
Wall Street Journal reported Chinese negotiators
were reluctant to commit to a financial figure for
purchases of American farm goods.
Trump said Beijing would buy up to $50
billion worth, but Chinese officials never have
confirmed that.