The administration in fact signed a limited “Phase One” deal in January that requires China to purchase more U.S. exports and observe international intellectual property norms. With little sign of a Phase Two, Democratic critics say the Trump administration left too much on the table. Weeks after that Phase One deal, the coronavirus pandemic became widespread in the U.S., and Mr. Trump began blaming China for spreading the virus, which originated there. The virus tensions have catalyzed a rapid worsening of U.S.-China ties amid other security and human-rights concerns. In fact, Mr. Biden has signaled that if he’s elected he’ll continue the current tough approach.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 07, 2020 11:19 UTC