The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a very brief statement about the phone call between Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin earlier today.
It noted that “both sides exchanged views on putting into effect the consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders at their meeting, and pushing forward the timetable and roadmap for the next stage of economic and trade consultations work.”
The was no further elaboration on the details of the call. But the presence of Mnuchin is a gesture of willingness on both sides for constructive discussions. Mnuchin is seen by many as the most China-dovish member of Trump’s cabinet. And he should have likely taken a moderator role between Liu and Lighthizer.
