Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Says Huawei Arrest Has Nothing to Do with Trade
*By Justin Chermol and Carlo Versano*
The arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou was an "enforcement action, not a trade-related action," according to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.
Ross told Cheddar's Megan Pratz that the arrest of Meng in Vancouver was a response to her flouting of sanctions ー and not a retaliatory strike or warning shot against a major Chinese telecom corporation. Asked by Cheddar whether Meng's charges would affect trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, he replied: "Doesn't seem to have so far."
When asked by Cheddar if China also viewed Meng's arrest as an enforcement action, Ross said: "So far, they've said that."
The arrest of the Huawei CFO occurred on December 1, the same day President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day trade truce on tariffs. Since then, the arrest has thrown a wrench into the delicate negotiations between the two world superpowers.
While Ross said the arrest should not affect trade negotiations, Trump has suggested otherwise.
In an interview with [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump/trump-says-would-intervene-in-arrest-of-chinese-executive-idUSKBN1OB01P), Trump said he would consider intervening with the U.S. Justice Department to influence the case if he thought it would help talks with China. "If I think it’s good for what will be certainly the largest trade deal ever made ... what’s good for national security – I would certainly intervene," he said.
Kim Perell, author and entrepreneur, shares actionable tips and tricks to help current and aspiring entrepreneurs kick off 2026 with confidence and momentum.
Emera CEO Scott Balfour discusses soaring energy demand, AI-driven grid challenges, clean-power investments, and how the company is building a resilient future.
JB Mackenzie discusses Robinhood’s new entertainment prediction markets, letting users engage with pop culture, award shows, and more through low-stakes bets.
Rhett Power shares his startup journey, lessons from his early years and insights from his book on overcoming negative self-talk to lead with confidence.
Despite inflation, Americans aren’t giving up the gym. Crunch Fitness CEO Jim Rowley discusses strong growth, value-driven expansion and what the future holds.
Home prices far outpacing incomes, low inventory, and higher living costs are reshaping the market. WSJ’s Veronica Dagher breaks down the challenges ahead.
As commercial options tighten, more travelers are turning to private aviation. Wheels Up CEO George Mattson breaks down capacity and demand challenges.
Layoffs, hiring slowdowns, and shifting skill demands dominate this year’s job talk. LinkedIn’s Kory Kantenga explains what workers should watch for next.
