MNI POLICY: China Willing to Strive for Phase-One Deal: MOFCOM

     BEIJING (MNI) - China is willing to work together with the U.S. to reach a

phase-one agreement, said Gao Feng, spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce at a

briefing on Thursday.

     Vice Premier Liu He held a constructive discussion with U.S. Trade

Representative Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin on Nov

16, and the two sides will continue to maintain close communication, Gao said

without disclosing details.

     When asked if China and the U.S. are split over the amount of U.S.

agricultural goods purchases as well as the removal of additional tariffs, Gao

would only say that "outside rumors are incorrect." 

     China has already expressed its solemn stand, Gao said without saying

further when asked to comment on "Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act"

passed by the U.S. Senate. 

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

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

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