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Trump’s signing of Hong Kong bill raises questions

One of the big questions today is whether President Trump’s signing of the bill supporting Hong Kong’s protesters will negatively affect trade negotiations between the two countries.

The Wall Street Journal reports that, even as China expresses anger over the signing of that legislation, it is likely to leave the door open for the trade deal. The Journal speculates that China’s leadership still wants a deal to help alleviate pressure on it’s weakening economy.

A spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, asked whether the bill’s signing would affect trade talks, didn’t answer directly but demanded the U.S. not implement any of the bill’s measures. He said it would risk undermining “cooperation in important areas”.

Both sides have recently expressed confidence they were making headway on a preliminary agreement to avert a further escalation in a tariff war.