China Talks' March 1 Deadline Not Solid, Trump Says

Deputy-level talks resumed Feb. 19 in Washington, and President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House that afternoon, again suggested that he won't raise tariffs on Chinese imports on March 2 if a deal isn't reached yet. "I can’t tell you exactly about timing, the date is not a magical date because a lot of things are happening," he said.

Earlier in the day, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, suggested a comprehensive deal is unlikely. He said he wants an end to licensing restrictions and forced tech transfer, and to cyber theft, and he wants better intellectual property protections in China. "In other words, basically abolishing their mercantilist approach ... that interrupts the free market system," he said during a conference call with reporters. "That'd be ideal. I'm somewhat sure that if we announce a deal in a week or two, it'll come up short of that."