He pledged during the 2016 campaign to come down hard on China. The president has long complained about a massive trade deficit between Washington and Beijing. He boasted to an audience of dignitaries that a new trade deal with China will bring 'a future of fair and reciprocal trade,' then complained about the 'impeachment hoax,' and praised a string of Republican senators who he needs to vote for his acquittal. Published: 07:35 GMT, 15 January 2020 | Updated: 21:38 GMT, 15 January 2020ĭonald Trump took a victory lap on Wednesday as he signed a trade deal with China at the White House as his impeachment sped towards the Senate on Capitol Hill. President urged House members in the audience to leave early if they needed to cast a vote on sending impeachment articles to the Senateīy David Martosko, U.s.East Room press credentials didn't have a date printed on them, suggesting the White House wasn't confident the event would happen on schedule.It's unclear what he's reciprocating for, since Xi didn't come.Xi Jinping didn't come for the signing but sent a lower-level official, vice-premier Liu He and Trump said he will go back to China soon to 'reciprocate'.Signing is for 'phase one' and the White House promises more segments in the future.Trump has vowed that he would ink a trade deal with China for more than two years and imposed steep tariffs to bring Beijing to the table.He touted his economy and launched attack after attack on his enemies at packed East Room ceremony, railing against the 'impeachment hoax'.Donald Trump took a victory lap as he signed a trade deal with China at the White House - as his impeachment sped ahead at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue.Donald Trump signs 'phase one' of trade deal with China which ends escalation of his trade war-and complains about the 'impeachment hoax' at White House ceremony with Xi Jinping's deputy looking on