Despite conflicting statements from both Washington and Beijing, the cancelled August 15th review of the Phase One Trade Agreement eventually took place on August 24th.  A spokesman for the Vice Premier of China Liu He noted that it was the intention to resume discussions, although in mid-January the Chief of Staff to President Donald J. Trump stated that no new high-level trade talks were scheduled.

 It was considered necessary to review progress on the Phase One Trade Agreement since China has not complied with the scope and volume of intended purchases as agreed. Diplomatic relations have cooled over issues including COVID-19, restrictive legislation on Hong Kong, industrial espionage, and possible delisting of Chinese companies on U.S. exchanges.  Relations with China have become politicized in recent weeks and conflicts will continue until the November. election. It is understood that talks between Vice Premier Lui and his counterparts Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Represenative Robert Lighthizer were productive and helpful to future U.S. exports of crude oil, LPG and agricultural commodities.

Vice Premier Lui He

"Lets slow down on this one!"