US, China trade chiefs to speak after Trump threat to end deal

WASHINGTON: Top Chinese and US trade negotiators will speak as soon as next week on progress in implementing a phase-one deal after President Trump threatened to “terminate” the agreement if Beijing wasn’t adhering to the terms.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will be on the call, according to people familiar with the matter. The US will be represented by Robert Lighthizer, one of the people said.

The planned phone call will be the first time Liu and Lighthizer speak officially about the agreement since it was signed in January. The deal called for Liu and Lighthizer to meet every six months, making next week's call slightly ahead of schedule. Trump also seemed to suggest a development was on the horizon when he told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that he'd be able to report in the next week or two if he’s happy with how the trade deal is progressing.