Breakthrough on US-China trade talks seen slimming - Reuters

Trade experts are concerned that the window of opportunity for US-China trade relations to peacefully resolve the current standoff is closing, as noted by Reuters.

Key highlights

"China would welcome a successful outcome from upcoming trade talks with the United States, but is fully prepared for all outcomes and will not negotiate on core interests, a Chinese government official said on Wednesday. Talks must be held as equals and be mutually beneficial, said the official, who declined to be named, adding that Beijing would not yield to any trade threats from Washington or accept any preconditions for talks."

"China has denied that it forces companies to transfer technology and has promised to retaliate in kind to any U.S. tariffs. “In the event of a trade war, we have a much greater ability to endure (the consequences) than the U.S.,” the official said."

"The Chinese official said Beijing would not accept talks with any preconditions on these or other issues."

"The most likely outcome for tense U.S.-China trade talks launching on Thursday is an agreement to keep talking, with U.S. President Donald Trump maintaining his threat to press ahead with punitive tariffs on Chinese goods, trade experts say."

"China’s Commerce Ministry described the meeting with Liu, President Xi Jinping’s top economic adviser, as allowing the governments to “exchange views” on issues of mutual concern about Sino-U.S. trade and business ties."

"A Chinese government official warned that Beijing will not negotiate on its core interests nor accept preconditions on any issues, including its “Made in China 2025” program to upgrade its domestic manufacturing base with more advanced products."