China-US talks at risk after Trump threatens tariffs on Chinese products

Chinese and American officials have held a series of talks over the dispute, and reached at least one agreement which was subsequently abandoned by the US President

Mixed messages coming from the US on the trade war with China could sink prospective negotiations before they begin, damaging prospects for a resolution to the growing dispute.

With President Donald Trump telling aides to proceed with additional tariffs on Chinese products, the Chinese government is considering declining the offer of talks, according to a Wall Street Journal report, which cited officials with knowledge of the discussions. Beijing last week welcomed the invitation to meet with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, an offer which was then undermined by a tweet from the president.

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