President Donald Trump is expected to roll out a revised list of 25 percent tariffs aimed at $50 billion worth of Chinese goods on Friday.
The U.S. has had numerous meetings over the past month to negotiate the terms of their trade agreement, which is focused on increasing the amount of farm and energy commodities that Beijing purchases from America and cutting the trade deficit with China.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Thursday and stressed that the trade deficit is still too high and it is important “for President Trump to rectify that situation so that trade becomes more balanced, more reciprocal and more fair, with the opportunity to have American workers be treated fairly.” (RELATED: Schumer: Trump Is ‘Exactly Right’ On Proposed China Tariffs)
“We had good and constructive discussions,” Pompeo told reporters in Beijing, according to Reuters.
China remains firm that it’s ready to retaliate with tariffs of their own on U.S. imports if the two sides cannot come to a consensus.
“We hope the U.S. will make a wise choice and China on its part is prepared on all fronts,” said Wang, according to CBS.
Despite ongoing trade disputes, Pompeo thanked China in his remarks before his meeting with Wang on Thursday for facilitating and supporting the Singapore summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Wang also praised both the U.S. and North Korean leaders for putting the world “on the right path” to “enduring, genuine peace to the region.”
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