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What caused U.S.-China talks to derail?

What caused the derailment of U.S.-China trade negotiations?

Frank Chen, a journalist with the Asia Times based in Hong Kong, says one explanation is that China’s leaders felt they were being bullied into accepting a less-than-favorable agreement. He thinks the leaders may have realized they were promising more than they could deliver.

“So it’s kind of a panicked admission that the impact is way bigger than Beijing initially thought,” says Chen.

Public perception is also very important in China, Chen says. Chinese leaders, especially President Xi, must be very careful not to come across as weak.

“Xi, although he doesn’t need to face an election, must not show any weakness in front of his domestic audience,” he says.

There has also been speculation that China may try to drag the negotiations into 2020, in hopes that Trump will not be re-elected.

“I have kind of a sinking feeling that Beijing, on the one hand, could strike a deal with Trump—but, on the other hand, its real intent is to wait him out,” Chen says.

A Chinese government official said today the U.S. “should not underestimate China’s determination and will to safeguard its interests.”