Breaking news from China and the U.S.! Regarding the China-U.S. trade protocol, the Trump administration has issued unclear information.

The Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that on Thursday (July 31), the U.S. government sent mixed messages about the direction of the latest trade agreement with China — including a possible extension of the suspension of tariff increases. U.S. President Trump did not mention whether he approved the plan to extend the suspension of tariffs on Chinese goods. The progress of this trade agreement affects global market nerves and highlights the complexity of U.S.-China relations.

White House information unclear: Tariff suspension period undecided

At a regular press briefing, when a reporter asked whether they were "considering" extending the current suspension period for the import tariffs on each other's products, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "I don’t think so, but I will let Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent weigh in on that, as he is leading those negotiations."

Levitt added, "The trade plan we are currently implementing with China will reduce the U.S. trade deficit by $5 billion this year." Levitt stated, "Therefore, we are moving in the right direction in dealing with the China issue, and Secretary Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will continue to maintain direct communication with their Chinese counterparts."

Later on Thursday evening, at another event in Baisente attended by the White House, Trump did not mention whether he approved the plan to extend the suspension of tariffs on Chinese goods. The U.S. Treasury did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.

Trump's Change in Attitude: From Cautious to Proactive

Trump, on his way back to Washington after visiting Scotland on Tuesday, stated that he would make a decision after hearing the consensus reached during the Stockholm talks hosted by Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, "We will either approve or disapprove."

A day later, Trump's tone became more positive. Trump told reporters before leaving the White House for a bill-signing ceremony on Wednesday: "We are moving forward with China. We are getting along very well with China." He added, "I think the outcome will be good. We are in sync... I think we will reach a very fair protocol with China."

Although reporters asked about the negotiation situation, Trump did not confirm whether the United States and China would extend the "suspension period" for tariffs on each other's goods.

Differences between China and the U.S.: Disparate Interpretations of the Trade Protocol

Two days have passed since American and Chinese officials concluded the third round of negotiations in Stockholm, Sweden. Previously, Bessent stated in an interview on Tuesday, "Our Chinese counterparts are a bit hasty, saying that we will indeed extend." China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Li Chenggang, also participated in the negotiations, and he had previously stated in Stockholm that the pause in the trade ceasefire would be extended, indicating that there are differences between the two sides. Bessent did not respond to Li Chenggang's statement at another press conference, emphasizing that no agreement would be reached before Trump gives his approval.

Conclusion:

The direction of the China-US trade protocol remains full of uncertainty. The ambiguous messages issued by the Trump administration, along with the differing interpretations of the trade protocol by both China and the US, have posed challenges to the global market. The final outcome of this trade negotiation will have a profound impact on the global economy and financial markets.