Lutnick says US-China trade talks could spill into a third day
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said trade talks with China – under way in London since Monday – may spill into a third day, and suggested that the two sides are making progress.
Advertisement
'We're working on all sorts of trade issues, and I think the talks are going really, really well,' he told reporters gathered outside Lancaster House, the UK government mansion where the talks are taking place.
'We're … spending time and effort and energy. Everybody's got their head down, working closely through it,' he said close to 8pm local time. 'I hope they end this evening, but if need be, we'll be here tomorrow.'
The talks are the latest attempt to defuse tensions between the world's two largest economies over a slew of trade and technology issues, which remain at boiling point despite the two sides
agreeing to a temporary deal to scale back tariffs on each other's goods last month.
05:05
Trump and Xi discuss Taiwan, troubled US-China trade ties in call breaking stand-off
Trump and Xi discuss Taiwan, troubled US-China trade ties in call breaking stand-off
The meeting in London comes just days after a phone call between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders
agreed to push forward with negotiations aimed at resolving their ongoing economic disputes.
Advertisement
China's delegation is led by Vice-Premier He Lifeng. Lutnick, US Treasury Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are leading the US side in what was described as 'the first meeting of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's new senior counsel must rise to the challenges ahead
Senior counsel constitute only a tiny minority of Hong Kong's lawyers, but the responsibility they carry as leading members of the profession is a heavy one. Much is expected of them. Three new 'silks' were admitted at a ceremony on June 7, bringing the number of senior counsel practising in the city to 111. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung took the opportunity to set out his expectations of them. The elevated position is the Hong Kong equivalent of Britain's king's counsel, which dates back to the early 17th century. But the role continues to be significant, especially at a pivotal time for the city's legal system. Cheung said the appointment of Catrina Lam Ding-wan, Priscilla Lam Tsz-ying and Timothy Parker was not only the culmination of their years of dedication to the law, it was also a commencement of the responsibilities that come with the rank. Senior counsel, he added, signify a visible commitment to the values that sustain the system of justice and their appointment is an investment in the rule of law. The appointments come as Hong Kong takes steps to establish itself as an international legal centre linking China to other parts of the world. Senior counsel, with their high profile and seniority, can offer leadership, experience and expertise, inside the courtroom and beyond. They are expected to observe the highest standards of advocacy and integrity, setting an example for the profession. The challenges they face mirror those that lie ahead for the legal system generally. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok highlighted three pressing issues at the ceremony: the adoption of new technology, the need for greater synergy with mainland China's system and maintaining the city's reputation for the rule of law. Senior counsel, he pointed out, are well placed to counter misunderstandings and negative perceptions. Bar Association chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet revealed that 19 top lawyers from overseas had been admitted for cases on an ad hoc basis last year and eight so far this year. As he said, the long-standing arrangement provides a basis for 'learning from each other' and allows counsel from abroad to experience the city's system.
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Inject some life into Hong Kong's fading cinemas
Film lovers in Hong Kong have been forced to watch the demise of a string of local cinemas in recent months. However, the latest closure will not result in the screens staying dark for good, raising hopes that the industry can flip the script so it can survive and thrive. The final shows at Golden Harvest's MegaBox cinema drew a steady stream of regulars and curious locals to snap up HK$40 (US$5) closing-day discount tickets. Located in a huge shopping centre and next to an ice rink, the seven-screen complex made history when it opened in 2007. It was the city's first to offer a massive IMAX experience. Now it has been swept up in a wave of at least nine venues that have shut down or suspended operations in 2024. Already this year, the Newport Theatre in Mong Kok and the Grand Kornhill Cinema in Quarry Bay have closed. On June 1, one of Hong Kong's oldest cinemas, the Golden Harvest Grand Ocean Cinema in Tsim Sha Tsui, closed its doors for good after 56 years. The Hong Kong Theatre Association said that as of May, only 51 cinemas were operating in the city, down from 112 in 1994. The spiral accelerated amid the pandemic, when streaming services allowed many to form a habit of binge-watching at home. The sector is not alone. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu recently discussed the retail scene struggles as many locals head across the border to mainland China. Lee has urged businesses to 'work harder' to respond and adapt to market changes. One idea to help open doors to fresh ideas was pitched by lawmaker Kenneth Fok Kai-kong. The sports, performing arts, culture and publication representative said licensing should be eased so cinemas could host live performances or sports broadcasts. Innovation plans could be derailed as some cinemas struggle with operational issues. The Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers says one major obstacle is when operators fail to reach rental agreements with landlords before their leases expire. The MegaBox shopping centre, at least, is not giving up on keeping a cinema as a tenant. CineArt is scheduled to take over the location next month with upgraded design and facilities that will hopefully set the scene for a crowd-pleasing sequel.
South China Morning Post
3 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Threat of US-China land grab in space demands urgent legal reforms
The United States is in an arms race with China, similar to the one it had with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Space is being militarised as Beijing and Washington are on a course to dismantle the few current limits on space competition devised in that earlier era. America set a lander down on Mars in 1976, and Nasa is working to land humans on the moon again by the end of this decade. Nasa also plans for a crewed Mars mission in the 2030s, with Elon Musk setting SpaceX's goal for crewed landings as early as 2029. What rules will govern the establishment of a human presence on the moon and elsewhere in the solar system, governing claims of sovereignty, the exploitation of resources and the militarisation of space ? What will happen to current international undertakings concerning the prohibition of placing weapons of mass destruction in space? Jon B. Wolfsthal, director of global risk at the Federation of American Scientists, recently said that China, Russia and others are 'testing new ways to deliver these weapons, including … nuclear weapons in space that can attack satellites or targets on Earth without warning'. 01:52 SpaceX's latest Starship test flight ends with another explosion SpaceX's latest Starship test flight ends with another explosion
