MNI Interview: NDRC Ning Says China to Buy US Chips on Demand

By Iris Ouyang

     BEIJING (MNI) - China will purchase semiconductors from the U.S. based on

market demand, Ning Jizhe, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform

Commission, told MNI in an interview Tuesday on the sideline of the National

People's Congress. 

     Ning was asked whether China has promised to boost purchases of U.S.

computer chips as part of the negotiations to persuade President Donald Trump to

resolve the trade war. 

     Chinese government advisors earlier told MNI that China will likely agree

to buying more U.S. goods including chips and soybeans to reduce the large

deficit recorded by the U.S., something Trump has regarded as a loss to China's

aggressive exports. 

     However, China has for years lobbied the U.S. to lift restrictions over

high-tech exports, in place for years for reasons including security and

protecting American technology leadership. 

     The two sides are seen closer to inking a deal to be signed by Presidents

Trump and Xi Jiping. China's chief negotiator and Vice Premier Liu He discussed

with his counterparts "crucial issues on the text" today, Xinhua News Agency

reported without elaborating.  

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 10 8532 5998; email: william.bi@mni-news.com

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: iris.ouyang@marketnews.com

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