WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama faces a deadline Friday that could test already fragile U.S.-China relations: A decision on whether to accuse Beijing formally of using its currency to gain unfair trade advantages against the United States.
Labeling China a currency manipulator would enrage the Chinese just as Obama's administration looks for their help on major global initiatives. Failing to do so, or postponing a decision, could damage Obama's struggling Democratic Party ahead of crucial congressional elections on Nov. 2.