U.S. Seizes on China’s Woes as Talks Start

Beijing’s struggle to maintain economic growth hangs over bid to settle trade battle

The U.S. and China kicked off two days of talks in Washington aimed at settling an escalating trade battle, with the U.S. claiming the advantage because Beijing is struggling to keep its economic growth from faltering.

Beijing has tried a number of approaches to strengthening its economy in the short term, including relaxing credit controls and encouraging more lending and spending, especially on highways, rail lines and other big-ticket government projects.

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