US-CHINA: USTR Greer Holds 'Candid' Introductory Call With Vice Premier He

The office of the United States Trade Representative has issued a statement confirming that USTR Jamieson Greer has held an 'introductory' call with Vice Premier He Lifeng to "exchange views on the U.S.-China economic and trade relationship." The two "agreed on the importance of maintaining communication going forward," according to the readout. 

• The USTR readout notes: "During their candid discussion, Ambassador Greer outlined how President Trump is establishing a robust and reinvigorated trade policy that promotes domestic investment and productivity, enhances America’s industrial and technological advantages, defends our economic and national security, and benefits American workers and businesses. He also expressed serious concerns about China’s unfair and anticompetitive trade policies and practices."
• Xinhua notes, per Reuters, that "both sides had 'candid and in-depth' exchange of views on key issues on economy and trade," with He expressing, "solemn concerns on US tariffs and planned 'reciprocal' tariffs".
• The call comes after Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), a key ally of President Donald Trump who acted as an intermediary between Washington and Beijing during Trump's first term, travelled to China last week for meetings with senior government officials. The trip was seen as the first major step towards kickstarting US-China trade negotiations.
• Daines said: “It’ll be difficult to have any conversation about tariffs and non-tariff barriers until the fentanyl precursor issue is resolved,” adding he, "made it clear that President Trump needs to see China take decisive actions to stop the flow of fentanyl precursors."