Foreign Media: US-China Extend Negotiation Deadline? US Representative: Efforts in This Direction

The US-China negotiations in Stockholm did not determine whether the August 12 negotiation deadline would be extended. However, the US negotiating representative said over the weekend that they are making efforts in this direction. Meanwhile, the US has demanded that China stop purchasing oil from Russia.

When interviewed, US Trade Representative Griles was asked whether the August 12 negotiation deadline with China would be extended. He said, "We are making efforts in this direction."

The CBS interview was recorded on Friday and broadcast on Sunday (August 3).

Griles said that China also hopes to extend the negotiation period. He said that technical details are being handled, while discussing with President Trump. "I think it's moving in a positive direction," he said.

Griles said he cannot speak for Trump, but he believes neither side wants tariffs to rise above 80%.

Last week, after two days of negotiations in Stockholm, both sides did not reach an agreement on extending the negotiation period.

Chinese media reported that Chinese negotiators stated on July 29 that both sides will continue to push for the suspension of tariffs.

In April this year, the US gradually increased tariffs on China to 145%. China retaliated by raising tariffs on the US to 125%, while imposing export controls on strategic raw materials.

In May, both sides agreed to suspend new tariffs for 90 days, until August 12.

US Demands China Stop Purchasing Russian Oil - China and India Respond

Another point of contention between the US and China is that the US demands China stop purchasing oil from Russia and Iran.

Besent said last Tuesday that he warned Chinese officials that if they continued to purchase sanctioned Russian oil, China would face significant tariffs due to relevant US legislation.

On July 30, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that China will take reasonable energy security measures according to its national interests. "There are no winners in a tariff war, and coercion will not solve the problem. China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests," he said.

This Thursday, Besent said that the Chinese side was very firm in the negotiations, but he said the negotiations had not stalled. "I believe we have the basis to reach an agreement," he said.

Russell, a researcher at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), told Reuters that by continuing to purchase Russian oil, China maintains the "strategic unity" with Russia, while significantly reducing economic costs. He said Beijing is buying Russian and Iranian oil at "rock-bottom prices."

In terms of purchasing Russian seaborne crude oil exports, China ranks second, with India first.

Last week, Trump said the US would impose a 25% tariff on India and additional import taxes for India's purchases of Russian crude oil. The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded last Friday that the country's relationship with Russia is "stable and tested."

Transit Tariffs Involve China

Last Thursday, Trump signed an executive order that also involves a transit tariff. Goods that avoid new tariffs by being transited to a third country will be subject to a 40% transit tariff. It is unclear how the US government will define "transit." This tariff will also involve Chinese goods.

Sources: DW, Reprinted from "DPA, AP, Reuters"

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839527818579081/

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