CNBC Interviews Clete Willems on Likelihood of U.S.-China Trade Deal

Akin Gump public law and policy partner Clete Willems spoke with CNBC’S “Squawk Box” about China’s growing hard-line approach to trade talks with the United States. It could be a good thing, Willems said, as it shows that Chinese President Xi Jinping is trying to win over those in his party who favor a tougher stance.

“President Xi is only going to be able to get a deal if the hard-liners are brought in,” said Willems, who served as the lead trade negotiator for the United States at summits like the G-7 and G-20 and also participated in trade talks in Washington and Beijing.

While the Chinese delegation tried to “show flexibility” during recent talks, Willems said, “there was a bit of a rebellion from hard-liners who didn’t think the deal was good from China’s standpoint.”

Willems added that some flexibility will still be needed in order to achieve a deal, though he thinks one will eventually be reached. “I think that a lot of really good work was done. I think it’s in both sides’ interest to harvest that work,” he said. “I think China’s economy — whether or not they want to admit it — is in a little bit of a difficult situation, and it’s in their interest to get a deal.”

To watch a portion of the TV interview, please click here.