China on Friday abruptly canceled plans to send a goodwill delegation to Montana and Nebraska after U.S. and Chinese negotiators wrapped up talks in Washington this week that were a precursor to high-level negotiations planned for early October.
Chinese officials reached out to governors’ offices and ag industry officials in both states to inform them of the cancellations, and did not give explanations, according to government and industry officials.
The Montana Farm Bureau Federation, in a prepared statement, said the delegation that was to be led by Chinese Agriculture Vice Minister Han Jun “has to return to China earlier than planned, therefore they have to make their visit to Montana in the future.”
A spokeswoman for the Nebraska Agriculture Department said the Chinese embassy made the cancellation without explaining why.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump on Friday ruled out a partial trade deal with China and stressed he would not be concerned if the trade war didn't end before the presidential election next year.
“I’m looking for a complete deal,” Trump told reporters. “No, I don’t think I need it before the election.”
Voters will understand if the trade war stretches into 2020, he said.
“I think people know that we’re doing a great job,” he said. “China’s being affected very badly. We’re not. We’re not being affected.”
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