South Korean media reports that China and the US have made contact on a tariff agreement? The truth is far from it.

South Korean media exclusively reported that the United States and China have "initiated contact" regarding a tariff agreement! According to a report by Agence France-Presse citing the Chosun Ilbo on April 27, senior officials from both sides held an "unannounced" meeting in the morning of April 24 at the Treasury Department in Washington. Media captured images of Chinese senior officials and their entourage entering the U.S. Treasury building. The specific identity of this senior official has not been confirmed, but all attendees were wearing identification required for the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors' meeting being held in Washington. South Korean media stated that this indicates the beginning of contacts between the U.S. and Chinese treasuries. Informants said that if these behind-the-scenes consultations produce results, they may become a turning point in the entire tariff war. What do we think about this report by South Korean media? To be honest, this report by South Korean media is very likely to be false information. Why do I say so? First, we have clearly stated that there are no forms of agreements or consultations between China and the United States. Second, the second G20 finance ministers and central bank governors' meeting of this year was held in Washington from April 23 to 24.

However, the problem lies in the fact that our officials attending the finance ministers and central bank governors' meeting in Washington does not mean that we have begun negotiations and consultations with the United States regarding tariff issues. These are two completely different things. If there were any contacts between U.S. and Chinese officials, such contacts would probably just be about sitting at the same table as the 20 member countries. Of course, we don't know why South Korean media is reporting such exclusive news, but before the U.S. changes its approach of extortion and blackmail towards us, negotiations between China and the U.S. will not take place.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830514695535881/

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