China is willing to sign the Phase 1 trade agreement with the United States on January 15. Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Liu He then flies to Washington to put a signature under the provisional trade deal, insiders reported to Chinese media.

The Chinese were counting on earlier to travel to the US faster this month for signing. But President Donald Trump announced, without consultation, to postpone the meeting until January 15. According to Chinese media, that was an unexpected step for Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping would not be available before that date. The Chinese government has not confirmed the reports.

The phase 1 deal between the two economic superpowers was concluded in December. It was unclear for a long time when the signing would take place. As a result of the agreement, part of the import levies that the two countries imposed on each other are reduced again.

The details of the trade agreement have not yet been released. This is expected to happen after the signature.