*By Alisha Haridasani* President Trump's reversal on how to deal with the Chinese electronics maker ZTE could signal a shift in trade talks before American and Chinese officials were to meet Tuesday for a second round of negotiations. China [reportedly](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/14/business/china-trump-zte.html) welcomed Trump’s decision to try to help ZTE "get back into business, fast," weeks after the U.S. slapped the electronics company with crippling sanctions. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Monday the government is “maintaining close communication with the U.S. on the implementation of specific details.” "If both countries are working together, there's less of a probability that this could evolve into some sort of a trade war," said Anthony Chan, chief economist at Chase. Trump [tweeted](https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/995680316458262533) on Sunday that he and President Xi Jinping of China were working together, and Trump instructed the Commerce Department to help ZTE. "Too many jobs in China lost," he said on Twitter. "Commerce Department has been instructed to get it done!" Last month, the U.S. blocked American companies from doing business with ZTE because the electronics company allegedly violated sanctions against Iran and North Korea. ZTE, which makes mobile phones, relies heavily on components created by American companies in its products. The crackdown forced the company to shut down most of its operations last week. Following Trump’s tweet, the White House issued an official statement saying Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will, “exercise his independent judgement, consistent with applicable laws and regulations, to resolve the regulatory action involving ZTE.” For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/trump-vows-to-save-zte-jobs).

Share:
More In Business
Small grocers and convenience stores feel an impact as customers go without SNAP benefits
Some small grocery stores and neighborhood convenience stores are eager for the U.S. government shutdown to end and for their customers to start receiving federal food aid again. Late last month, the Trump administration froze funding for the SNAP benefits that about 42 million Americans use to buy groceries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says about 74% of the assistance was spent last year at superstores like Walmart and supermarkets like Kroger. Around 14% went to smaller stores that are more accessible to SNAP beneficiaries. A former director of the United Nations World Food Program says SNAP is not only a social safety net for families but a local economic engine that supports neighborhood businesses.
Load More