, Columnist
Trump Makes a Decent Deal With China
It's not earth-shattering. But it could lead to something better.
Not bad.
Photographer: Greg Baker/AFPThis article is for subscribers only.
President Donald Trump's administration has just announced a deal with China to open its markets across a range of industries, from beef to financial services. "This is more than has been done in the whole history of U.S.-China relations on trade," declared Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, with Trumpian modesty.
Rhetoric aside, Trump has put China on notice that he intends to target a long list of protectionist economic policies. Given the industries covered, it seems likely that President Barack Obama's administration could have secured a similar deal had it been a priority. By repeatedly raising the issue, and demonstrating his commitment to it, Trump actually got it done. So give credit where it's due.