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WORLD NEWS Wednesday 6 november 2019

At trade show, Xi pledges steps to open Chinese markets

By DAKE KANG a U.S.-Chinese settlement
JOE McDONALD will "safeguard the interests
Associated Press of China's and the United
SHANGHAI (AP) — Presi- States' other major trading
dent Xi Jinping promised partners, starting with the
more gradual market- European Union."
opening steps at the start American and Chinese ne-
of an import fair Tuesday gotiators announced what
but no initiatives on tech- Trump called a "Phase 1"
nology policy and other ir- agreement Oct. 12 after
ritants that sparked a tariff talks in Washington. Envoys
war with Washington. are negotiating the details.
The second China Interna- The two sides have report-
tional Import Expo showcas- ed no progress on their big-
es the country's vast import gest disputes and econo-
market of 1.4 billion people mists say a final settlement
to help deflect complaints is unlikely this year.
that it improperly subsidizes On a conference call Tues-
industries and shields them day with reporters, Com-
from competition. It offers merce Secretary Wilbur
a marketing platform for Ross said he was "reason-
foreign suppliers of goods ably optimistic" the Phase
from wine to yachts but 1 talks would be finished.
does less for companies Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen on a live broadcast speaking at the media center during the He said more difficult issues
that already are estab- opening of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. would wait for later rounds.
lished in China. Associated Press "We're hoping Phase 1
"The door that China is ence that included French Serbia. Xi affirmed prom- to accelerate work on a will be a precursor of later
opening will only open President Emmanuel Ma- ises to reduce restrictions China-Europe investment agreements," Ross said.
further and wider," Xi said cron and prime ministers on foreign investment and treaty. Xi and Trump were to have
in a speech to an audi- of Greece, Jamaica and an offer, first made in June, Beijing has announced met at this month's gather-
plans over the past two ing of Asia-Pacific leaders
years to make its state- in Chile, but the event was
American among 3 drug prisoners in dominated economy more canceled due to protests
productive. They include there. Ross said the two
escape from Thai court cutting import tariffs and sides are looking for a dif-
abolishing limits on foreign ferent location.
ownership in auto manu- The European Union is look-
Associated Press point to hand over keys to Tone, Nilthes. All had been facturing, finance and oth- ing for "real, substantial"
BANGKOK (AP) — An unlock a secured area so charged with possession of er fields. progress on the investment
American man was among they could make their es- dangerous drugs with in- None directly addresses treaty before an EU-China
three prisoners who staged cape in a nearby pickup tent to sell. U.S., European and other summit in the second half
a violent escape from a truck. Helmus and his wife were complaints about technol- of 2020, the EU Delegation
courthouse in the town of Thai media reported Tues- arrested in July after what ogy policies and other irri- in Beijing said in a state-
Pattaya in eastern Thai- day that the injured guard was reported at the time tants that prompted Presi- ment.
land, prison officials said was recovering in a hos- to be a sting operation in dent Donald Trump to hike Beijing is trying to shore up
Tuesday. pital. The Bangkok Post which a police undercover tariffs on Chinese imports, consumer demand after
Corrections Department said the pickup truck had agent bought 10 grams (a setting off a trade war that economic growth sank to
Director-General Naras been found abandoned in third of an ounce) of crystal threatens to chill global a multi-decade low of 6%
Savestana said in a state- a nearby district and two methamphetamine from growth. over a year ago in the lat-
ment that the three, who people suspected of aid- them. Xi made no mention of the est quarter.
were shackled, escaped ing the escape had been Police said they seized battle with Washington The ruling Communist Party
Monday while being arrested. almost a kilogram (2.2 but called for building and is looking to consumers to
moved from a holding area The Correction Depart- pounds) of the drug from "open and shared world propel economic growth,
to a courtroom. ment statement identified them, as well as a gun with economy." replacing trade and in-
The three face drug traf- the American as 40-year- 200 bullets and 205,500 Macron said market en- vestment. But shoppers are
ficking charges that carry old Bart Allen Helmus, who baht ($6,800) in cash. try must be "accelerated, uneasy about the trade
a possible death sentence. is believed to be the person Pattaya is a popular tourist made more transparent" war and possible job loss-
CCTV footage showed one who stabbed the guard. destination but is also infa- and he appealed for equal es. They are spending less,
stabbing a guard who tried The two others were his Thai mous for vice and crime, treatment in subsidies and which has battered sales
to stop them and another wife, Sirinapa Wisetrit, and attracting more than its legal remedies. of autos, real estate and
forcing a guard at gun- a Thai male named Noi, or share of foreign criminals.q Macron expressed hope other goods.q