Global Times (February 2) highlighted that in his recent speech to the National Committee on US-China Relations, Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi had signalled that trade issues could be compartmentalized from political disputes which, Global Times pointed out, is also in line with China's overall foreign policy stance of managing differences while seeking common ground. Yang Jiechi had said "China is ready for closer macroeconomic policy coordination and more cooperation with the United States to keep the global industry and supply chains safe, and to maintain global economic and financial stability." The Global Times quoted Huo Jianguo, Vice Chairman of the China Society for World Trade Organization Studies, as saying "China has always been very clear about its willingness for positive cooperation. But in light of the change of leadership in the US, this could also set the stage for some constructive dialogue." Gao Lingyun, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said that while pressure is building on Biden to remove those tariffs, the new US administration is unlikely to make any move shortly, because his focus is still on domestic efforts to combat the pandemic, while his trade team has not been set up completely. "They are saying they will conduct a review of trade policies. That means they will take some time to go over things before making a decision."
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