Trump’s Dealmaking Style Won’t Sway Xi, Ex-White House Aide Says

A potential trade deal between the world’s top two economies hinges on Donald Trump and Xi Jinping overcoming core differences in their negotiation styles, former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaneysaid.

“There’s a fundamental disconnect here,” Mulvaney told Bloomberg TV on Tuesday. “Trump wants to talk at the very highest levels. That’s not always how the Chinese want to do business.”

Mulvaney’s comments highlight a potential hurdle to a call between the leaders that the White House said is likely this week. Such direct contact could potentially ease tensions that have surged over ...