https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/2188143/top-us-negotiator-
read-chinese-riot-act-get-trade-talks-back

Trade talks between the United States and China collapsed at one point last 
week because of an impasse at the deputy level, and were only salvaged when 
the chief US negotiator harshly reprimanded the Chinese side, White House 
economic adviser Larry Kudlow revealed on Thursday.
“The first day of the deputies’ meetings went very poorly,” Kudlow told 
CNBC, referring to discussions on February 19 led by Deputy US Trade 
Representative Jeffrey Gerrish. “And the second day was cancelled because 
of that.”


After the breakdown of the discussions, US trade chief Robert Lighthizer “
read them the riot act”, Kudlow said.
Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He “responded”, said Kudlow, “and all of a 
sudden everything picked up.”