China welcomes partial deal in trade war it blames on US

BEIJING — China expressed cautious optimism Saturday about a first-step trade agreement that dials down a trade war it blames the U.S. for starting.

Chinese experts and news media joined government officials in saying the deal would reduce uncertainty for companies, at least in the short term. They remained cautious, saying both sides will have to show a willingness to compromise to resolve the more fundamental differences between them.

“It at least stabilizes the situation and lays a foundation for the next round of trade talks or canceling additional tariffs in the future,” said Tu Xinquan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

The countries announced a “Phase 1” agreement Friday under which the U.S. will reduce tariffs and China will buy more U.S. farm products. Chinese officials said the nine-chapter text, which includes intellectual property, technology transfer, financial services and dispute settlement, has to undergo legal and translation review before it can be signed.

Officials said the U.S. would begin phasing out tariffs on Chinese imports. The deal was announced two days before higher tariffs were set to kick in. China would make similar tariff cuts, the officials said.

China portrayed the deal as in line with the opening up of its economy and the deepening of its economic reforms. Increased imports of highquality products from the United States and elsewhere will “meet the growing needs of the people for a better life,” said Wang Shouwen, a deputy commerce minister and trade negotiator. the Korean People’s Army’s general staff, asserted North Korea has built up “tremendous power” and that the tests would be used to develop new weapons to allow the country to “reliably” counter U.S. nuclear threats. someone on the spot with tough questions.

“That’s what happens when you improvise speeches in a second language. But of course I apologise if anyone misunderstood this,” she tweeted Saturday.

Thunberg told the crowd in Turin that world leaders were running away from their responsibilities to fight climate change.

GAIZKA IROZ/GETTY-AFP A firefighter makes his way through a flooded neighborhood Saturday after heavy rains the day before in southwestern France. One person died and five others were injured as the floods threatened the Pyrenees-Atlantiques region. About 70,000 homes lost power.