China Battles Against Trump's Tariff Threat as Liu to Visit U.S.

• Despite President Donald Trump upped the pressure and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer confirming the U.S. would increase duties on Chinese imports 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Beijing will still send trade negotiators to Washington this week.
• The delegation will be led by Vice Premier Liu He, a sign that China remains serious about finding a compromise.
• Markets are a little calmer this morning in the wake of confirmation that the talks are going ahead. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that rumors and tweets are not favorable for finding a satisfactory resolution to the stand-off. 

(Source: Bloomberg)