Cautious optimism that Washington may be more reasonable in trade talks: China Daily editorial

While there is a general feeling that a solution to the long-running trade dispute between China and the United States might be on the cards after both sides made conciliatory gestures ahead of the upcoming high-level negotiations due to begin in Washington on Thursday, it would be rash to consider that a certainty.

Despite the evident desire of both sides to extract something tangible from their talks, and US President Donald Trump's claim on Monday that he would much prefer a big deal "I think that's what we're shooting for", any progress made is likely to be hard-won and on a much smaller scale.

Any consensus reached will likely be on specific issues such as China's purchases of US agricultural products rather than the fundamental changes in China's economic model which the US has been hitherto unrealistically demanding.

Yet it would be wise to be cautious before predicting the talks led by Vice-Premier Liu He and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin will break the impasse between the world's top two economies, in light of what has happened after the previous rounds of talks. As even when the two sides have reached a consensus, the US authorities later deny it.

Over the past year any trust seemingly built up in the talks has been subsequently rendered null and void by the US administration raising or imposing new tariffs on Chinese products and sanctioning Chinese enterprises and individuals.

And this time, as on previous occasions, Washington has sought to apply pressure just before the talks formally start in a bid to gain concessions.

If Washington continues its practice of attacking while talking, even if there is some agreement reached in the talks this week, Beijing will naturally wonder whether Washington will abide by it, or view it as a sign it can get more.

Yet the purchasing managers index of the US manufacturing industry dropped to 47.8 percent in September, from 49.1 in August, a new low since June 2009, indicating US manufacturers are feeling the effects of the trade frictions, and fueling concerns the US may be heading for a recession.

The trade frictions have worsened for more than a year, during which many countries besides China and the US have felt the effects. But China has no choice but to resolutely stand its ground if the United States did not give up its unreasonable demands.

China has always adhered to its principle of solving differences through equal-footed consultations based on mutual respect. This will not change whatever pressure the US applies.

The country has made thorough preparations for this week's talks. No matter what happens, it will engage in the talks with sincerity but there should be no doubt that it remains committed to safeguarding its core national interests and will not give in to unreasonable demands.