Is A U.S. - China Trade Deal Possible?

China’s President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China November 9, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Derek Scissors, AEI: Should the US and China give up on a deal?

The $68 billion affected thus far in the US-China trade standoff is a tiny fraction of economic activity in either country. Significant escalation, if it occurs, is weeks or months away. The bigger problem is that, if a deal is reached, only a year and a half of calm may result. The two countries’ short-term behavior is being fueled by the realization that no agreement will last.

The Trump administration is a difficult negotiating partner because it is divided on China goals. A lower bilateral trade deficit? Retaliation for coercive technology practices? A fundamental change in the PRC’s economic model?

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WNU Editor: Derek Scissors's analysis on China and what they have done in the past year .... and how they have misread and miscalculated on President Trump .... is spot on.