U.S. to Probe China’s Adherence to 2020 Trade Agreement

The United States has announced plans to investigate China's compliance with the trade deal inked in 2020, a move that comes at a critical juncture in bilateral relations. The probe is set to take place just before a high-stakes meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping next week.The trade deal, which was signed in January 2020, was hailed as a significant achievement by both countries after a prolonged trade war that had disrupted global markets. The agreement included a commitment by China to increase purchases of U.S. goods and services, as well as to implement structural reforms to address long-standing trade grievances.However, U.S. officials have expressed concerns that China has not fully lived up to its obligations under the deal, citing a lack of transparency and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. The upcoming investigation is likely to focus on China's progress in meeting its purchase targets, as well as its efforts to reform its intellectual property and subsidy policies.The timing of the investigation is noteworthy, as it coincides with a critical moment in U.S.-China relations. The meeting between President Trump and President Xi next week is expected to cover a range of issues, including trade, security, and global governance. A tough U.S. stance on trade is likely to set the tone for the talks, which come amid growing tensions between the two economic superpowers.The investigation is also seen as a reflection of the Trump administration's continued skepticism towards China, which has been a hallmark of U.S. trade policy in recent years. The administration has been critical of China's trade practices, accusing Beijing of unfairly subsidizing its industries and failing to protect intellectual property rights.In response to the announcement, Chinese officials have called for calm and urged the United States to work with China to address their trade differences. However, with the investigation now underway, it remains to be seen how the two countries will navigate their complex trade relationship in the months ahead.