US trade chief says China tariffs needed for future leverage

Lighthizer tells senators that talks are near end, deal or no deal

20190313 USA-TRADE/CHINA-HOUSE

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, left, listens as Chinese Vice Premier Liu He talks during a photo opportunity at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China on Feb. 15. © Reuters

ALEX FANG, Nikkei staff writer

NEW YORK -- Trade talks between the U.S. and China are in their final weeks with Washington refusing to give up its right to impose tariffs on Beijing should it violate any deal, the chief U.S. negotiator said Tuesday.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer spoke while testifying at a Senate finance committee hearing on the future of the World Trade Organization, where questions were largely focused on U.S.-China trade talks.

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