Ahead of the Meeting Between US and Chinese Leaders, Trump Reports 'Good Signs'

On the eve of the meeting between the leaders of the United States and China, which analysts believe could impact the ongoing trade war between the two leading economies, the President of the United States stated that 'good signs' are emerging. Donald Trump, who is in Buenos Aires for the G20 summit, said in an interview with 'Voice of America' on Friday, December 9, that it remains to be seen what will happen in the negotiations without providing details. The President reiterated his previous stance that 'many countries, including China, have taken advantage of the United States in the past,' mentioning that he imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods and that they 'can no longer repeat what they did with previous presidents.' The trade war between the US and China, which began on September 24 with tariffs on Chinese goods and continued with reciprocal actions from Beijing, has affected global stock markets. In the interview, Trump pointed to China's poor economic situation and its massive debts, emphasizing that the US economy is currently the strongest in the world and in very good shape. He also recalled the USMCA agreement that replaced NAFTA, as well as 'Japan's better behavior compared to the past' and a 'great agreement with South Korea,' stating, 'I believe we will have good relations with Russia, China, and others; and that is important.' The President is set to discuss with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during a dinner on Saturday evening. The Associated Press reported that any agreement or disagreement between the two leaders at this meeting will immediately impact the global economy and lead to a rise or fall in stock market values. It seems that China is also seeking to reach an agreement with the US to end the trade war. The 'China Daily' newspaper, which reflects the official positions of the Chinese government, emphasized on Friday that such an agreement is achievable in Buenos Aires, calling the 'reasonableness' of the US a prerequisite for it. The US and several major international companies accuse China of 'technology theft' with evidence, but Beijing denies these allegations.