China still ‘cautiously optimistic’ on trade talks

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He shakes hands with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin outside the office of the U.S. Trade Representative in Washington, U.S., May 9, 2019. REUTERS

BEIJING: China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice-Premier Liu He said as US President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

Liu voiced a measured optimism on reaching a deal, but said there were “issues of principle” on which China would not back down.