Positive hopes for meeting if everyone is reasonable

Although no one can tell whether or not the widely anticipated meeting between the Chinese and United States leaders on the sidelines of the G20 summit will de-escalate the ongoing trade conflict, there can be little doubt that whatever the outcome is, it will have far-reaching consequences. Both Beijing and Washington know that. But to avert the less than desirable scenarios that have been talked about, both parties will have to be sensitive to each other's sensibilities. No party should count on the other side to do all the giving without getting anything in return.

Beijing wants a deal, just as Washington does. And it is willing to cooperate with Washington in dealing with concerns about trade if they are fair-minded. That should suffice for a mutually acceptable solution to be found to their present dispute if it is about trade. Should there be any other aspirations, such as taking advantage of the trade spat to throttle Chinese growth, then an agreement is unlikely to be reached.

And there's the rub, for the US seems intent on sharpening its competitive edge in technology by whatever means necessary.