US ‘tests’ to see if direct engagement with China helps address trade concerns
- ‘Candid’ exchange between Liu He and Katherine Tai also sees Beijing pushing for tariffs to be lifted, while Washington raises concerns over China’s economic model
- Call comes after Tai’s speech that the White House will restart a process to exempt certain goods from Trump-era tariffs
“During their candid exchange, Ambassador Tai and Vice-Premier Liu acknowledged the importance of the bilateral trade relationship and the impact that it has, not only on the United States and China, but also the global economy,” the USTR office said in a statement.
During the meeting, Tai and Liu reviewed the implementation of the US-China Economic and Trade Agreement, and agreed that the two sides would consult on certain outstanding issues, the statement said.
The statement also said Tai emphasised US concerns about China’s state-led, non-market policies and practices that harmed American workers, farmers and businesses.
State news agency Xinhua reported that the two sides had a “pragmatic, frank and constructive” exchange, adding that both sides agreed to deepen economic and trade cooperation and review the implementation of their trade deal.
