Trump signs preliminary trade agreement with China, but details are unknown

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(CNN) - The president of the United States, Donald Trump, signs a preliminary trade agreement with China on Wednesday, but the document is not yet known.

The public absence of the text, estimated at more than 80 pages, is another example of the unconventional approach that Trump has taken in negotiating trade agreements.

Presidents generally do not sign such bilateral agreements, and yet Trump has made it a common practice, even signing mini-agreements with Japan and South Korea during his presidency at the White House.

In addition, trade agreements are generally reviewed by Congress, giving legislators time to examine their terms. And, generally, those with a direct interest (business groups, farmers, legislators, trade lawyers) have the opportunity to pass a fine-tooth comb through every detail.

President Trump praised the trade agreement by calling it "very important and remarkable," and said Wednesday that the agreement was a "momentous step."

"Together we are straightening the mistakes of the past and providing a future of justice and economic security," Trump said from the White House.

"Most people thought this could never happen," he said.

Trump said he would visit China in a "not too distant future" to correspond a visit to Washington of China's main trade negotiator.

The agreement includes China's commitment to make significant reforms.

Commercial Agreement Donald Trump