US, China Officials Speak But No In-Person Meeting Set Yet

Top negotiators from Washington and Beijing spoke Tuesday as the process of resuming trade talks between the two sides continues. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke to Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and Commerce Minister Zhong Shan “to continue negotiations aimed at resolving the outstanding trade disputes” between the world’s two largest economies, according to a U.S. official. The official said “both sides will continue these talks as appropriate.” If that session was successful, that could build expectations for a face-to-face meeting. White House aide Kellyanne Conway told reporters Tuesday morning Lighthizer and Mnuchin may go to China “shortly” and continue to speak with their Chinese counterparts.