US and China extend talks as end to trade war nears
The US and China have agreed to extend talks over a new trade deal in a sign that the two countries may be nearing an agreement.
Chinese negotiators have agreed to stay in Washington to continue talks next week, it was announced on Friday.
Chinese president Xi Jinpint said “progress” had been made in a statement released by the White House.
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US president Donald Trump said a deal was “more likely” than not.
"The fact that they're willing to stay for quite a bit longer… that means something," he said. "I think there's a good chance that it happens."
In 2018 both countries placed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each others’ goods.
Trump had initially threatened to increase the tariffs from 10 per cent to 25 per cent at the start of March if no deal had been agreed, but has appeared more flexible as negotiators meet for a fourth round of talks.
Trump did not commit to extending the deadline on Friday but admitted progress had been made, including an agreement on currency manipulation.
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He also added that Chinese tech giant Huawei, which has been in the spotlight regarding its chief financial officer’s arrest and concerns over the security of its 5G roll-out, had not been discussed.
China's vice premier Liu He, who has been heading up negotiations, said he was ready to complete a deal.
"From China, we believe that it is very likely that it will happen," he said.