China’s chief negotiator said Wednesday night that he was “cautiously optimistic” about reaching a phase one trade deal with the U.S., even as talks continue to stretch out and tensions over Hong Kong and other issues rise. Liu He made the comments in a speech in Beijing, according to people who attended the dinner and asked not to be identified. He also explained China’s plans for reforming state enterprises, opening up the financial sector, and enforcing intellectual property rights -- issues which are at the core of U.S. demands for change in China’s economic system. Separately to the speech, he told one of the ... (full story)