Clete Willems Speaks with New York Times, Washington Post on U.S.-China Trade Deal

January 15, 2020

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With the United States and China signing their “Phase One” trade deal today, Akin Gump public law and policy partner Clete Willems has shared his thoughts on the agreement with both The New York Times and The Washington Post.

In the Times article “Trump to Sign China Trade Deal Today,” Willems said the deal was important for proving that both countries could solve problems with each other despite disagreements and heightened tensions.

“We didn’t fix every single problem with China in this agreement, there is no question about that,” said Willems. “But what was done is really significant.”

Willems also told the Times, for the article “China Trade Deal Details Protection for American Firms,” that the deal would fulfill three of the four major conditions laid out in the Trump administration’s initial report that justified its tariffs on Chinese goods. That included a requirement that Beijing not direct its companies to acquire sensitive foreign technology.

In addition, Willems said the deal contained new language protecting trade secrets, including a promise to set up judicial proceedings and criminal penalties for Chinese entities that steal confidential business information. There would also be greater patent protection for the pharmaceutical sector.

One major concern not addressed, though, said Willems, is cybertheft. “We didn’t fix every single problem with China in this agreement, there is no question about that,” noted Willems. “But what was done is really significant.”

The Post, in the article “Trump’s new China deal cements emergence of ‘managed trade’,” reports that China has agreed to specific dollar targets for U.S. services as well as farm, energy and manufactured goods. As a result, new sales for American farmers are expected to hit $40 billion in the first year, up from $24 billion.

Still, Willems said there is ample room for China to increase its U.S. imports. The deal’s dollar targets are less important than the changes it requires in Chinese agricultural regulations, which should lead to billions of dollars in new sales for American pork, beef and chicken, he pointed out.

“It really is the lasting policy changes that will make a difference,” added Willems.

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