China’s central bank acted shortly after news that officials from China and the Trump administration will hold their first formal trade talks since the punishing tariffs began.

President Donald Trump said as recently as Sunday that he wants rate cuts. Now, China is acting. The People’s Bank of China lowered interest rates and eased rules on bank lending on Wednesday, steppin

China has announced a barrage of measures meant to counter the blow to its economy from U.S. President Donald Trump ’s trade war, as the two sides prepare for talks later this week. Beijing’s central bank governor and other top financial officials outlined plans to cut interest rates and reduce bank reserve requirements to help free up more funding for lending.