National News Media Quote Clete Willems on U.S.-China Trade Talks
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Incoming Akin Gump public law and policy partner Clete Willems continues to share his insights with the news media on the state of trade talks between the United States and China. Willems is a former international economics advisor to President Trump who most recently led the White House Office of International Economic Affairs.
The New York Times, in its article “China ‘Broke the Deal’ on Trade, and Trump’s Retaliation Starts Friday,” reports that, while a historic trade treaty seemed plausible just a week ago, a quick resolution to a yearlong trade war is now becoming increasingly unlikely. Mr. Trump blames Beijing for the near-collapse, saying it reneged on an agreement it had with Washington.
“The administration has been talking to China for months now about specific things that needed to change in Chinese law,” said Willems. “The administration was operating under the assumption that some of that would be part of the deal, so to the extent that China is saying that’s no longer possible, that is a pretty big reversal.”
While both sides have overcome setbacks, Willems said that Mr. Trump and his economic team believe the progress they have made with China is directly related to the President’s willingness to impose tariffs.
“I do think more likely than not you’re going to see tariffs going into place [Friday],” Mr. Willems said. “This is not a bluff by the President.”
The reason for this, The Washington Post reports in “With one eye on the past, Trump and Xi look to the future of U.S.-China trade,” is that U.S. officials say they need more than promises this time.
Willems agreed, saying, “[The U.S. has] had these conversations with China for years. If you don’t have specific commitments, backed up with enforcement, you don’t have anything.”
At the same time, however, Willems, in The Wall Street Journal article “China Hardens Trade Stance as Talks Enter New Phase,” said that China “has often pushed back on specific commitments during the negotiations. These are difficult things to undertake, but critical to a successful outcome.”
Willems is due to join Akin Gump next month. (Click here to read more.)
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