China Protesters Scuffle With Security as Trade-War Talks Begin

(Bloomberg) -- Protesters against Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government rushed a delegation from Beijing as officials prepared to begin a pivotal round of trade talks with the U.S.

Several protesters jostled with security on Wednesday as members of the Chinese delegation left the Willard International hotel in Washington for a meeting with Trump administration officials. The protesters, who said they were from Shanghai, distributed documents accusing the government of forcing Chinese residents to relocate. A woman was knocked down in the scuffle, but no one appeared to be injured.

Shortly after, Vice Premier Liu He and People’s Bank of China Governor Yi Gang were seen entering the White house complex for the start of talks.

Liu is leading the Chinese delegation in two days of negotiations with the Trump administration in an effort to end the trade war with the U.S.

Trump and Xi have given their officials until March 1 to reach a deal.

Trump is expected to meet with Liu this week, underscoring the importance the White House is putting on the talks.

To contact the reporter on this story: Andrew Mayeda in Washington at amayeda@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Brendan Murray at brmurray@bloomberg.net, Sarah McGregor

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