Even in the euphoria of finally reaching a trade deal with China following months of tempestuous talks, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer struck a wary tone on whether Beijing would follow through on the pledges it had just agreed.
“We think it was a good negotiation and will make a real difference. A sceptic would say we’ll see, that’s probably a wise position to take,” Mr Lighthizer told reporters on Friday. “But our expectation is they will keep their obligations.”
The limited agreement between Washington and Beijing to pause their trade war has cheered markets and lifted a huge cloud hanging over the global economy heading into 2020.