Trump expresses optimism on China trade talks, citing ‘warmer feelings’

President Trump sought to project optimism about the progress of trade discussions with China on Friday, saying there are “warmer feelings” than in past meetings.

“Good things are happening at China Trade Talk Meeting,” Trump tweeted Friday morning.

Good things are happening at China Trade Talk Meeting. Warmer feelings than in recent past, more like the Old Days. I will be meeting with the Vice Premier today. All would like to see something significant happen!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2019

Top Trump administration officials met with a Chinese delegation on Thursday to further discussion on ending an extended trade dispute between Washington and Beijing that has rattled global markets and raised concerns about adverse impacts on the U.S. economy. 

{mosads}Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Lieu He in the Oval Office on Friday at 2:45 p.m., before departing for a campaign rally in Lake Charles, La.

Stock markets jumped Friday morning ahead of Trump’s meeting with Liu, a sign of optimism amid reports the two sides were making progress on some kind of partial trade agreement.

Good things are happening at China Trade Talk Meeting. Warmer feelings than in recent past, more like the Old Days. I will be meeting with the Vice Premier today. All would like to see something significant happen!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2019

Bloomberg reported that the White House is considering moving forward with an agreement on currency as part of a deal with China that would delay an impending increase on tariffs impacting $250 billion of Chinese imports set to go into effect on Tuesday.

Trump first imposed tariffs on China more than a year ago in hopes of bringing Beijing to the table on a deal that ends its unfair trade practices. But an agreement has thus far eluded the Trump administration, causing both sides to increase tariffs.

Tensions flared in August as both sides announced reciprocal tariffs but have thawed since. The current high-level trade discussions follow weeks of lower-level talks on trade with China.