Even some retired officials have said they believe that the trade war could have positive effects. The chances that Mr. Trump alone can change China's ways are exceedingly slim. “We can’t count on the external force to save China,” said Wang Gongquan, a billionaire liberal activist and former venture capitalist. In an interview with National Public Radio, Robert Lighthizer, Mr. Trump’s top trade negotiator, was asked about the likelihood that the trade war would lead to changes in China. “You have to start with the proposition that there are people in China who believe that reform is a good idea,” Mr. Lighthizer said.

Source: New York Times April 16, 2019 09:00 UTC