China Courts U.S. Executives At Forum To Ease Trade Tensions

China used this week’s China Development Forum in Beijing to court major U.S. business executives, according to CNBC. The move signals a desire to de-escalate trade tensions rather than retaliate after two broad tariff hikes by the U.S. since January. Executives from Apple, Pfizer, Qualcomm, FedEx, and Boeing attended the event. Chinese leaders conveyed optimism about domestic recovery and efforts to boost consumption. The tone contrasted with recent official rhetoric about being prepared for “any type of war” with the U.S.