‘Candid talks’: China and US trade officials vow to step up communication to manage tensions
- China describes talks between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo as ‘professional and constructive’
- Beijing expresses concern about America’s tech and trade policy against China while Raimondo protests Beijing’s actions against US firms
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and his United States counterpart Gina Raimondo had “candid, professional and constructive” exchanges on bilateral trade relations and concerns, China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Friday.
“China emphasised its concerns on the US’ China trade policy, semiconductor policy, export control and overseas investment scrutiny. Both sides agreed to set up communication channels to maintain and step up exchanges on concrete trade concerns and cooperation,” the ministry said.
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A statement issued by the US Department of Commerce said the discussions were “candid and substantive” and the two officials talked about “the overall environment in both countries for trade and investment and areas for potential cooperation”.
“Secretary Raimondo also raised concerns about the recent spate of PRC actions taken against US companies operating in the PRC,” the US statement said, referring to the People’s Republic.
“This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage the relationship. Secretary Raimondo expressed her commitment to continuing to build on the engagement between President Biden and President Xi in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022.”
