China’s commerce chief presses US Senate leader Chuck Schumer over trade restrictions
- During ‘rational and pragmatic’ talks on Monday, Wang Wentao told the Senate majority leader that China wants the US to define its security boundaries
- Commerce minister added that US-China competition should be ‘fair and constructive’ and based on international trade rules
China’s commerce minister “specifically” raised concerns over American restrictions on trade and technology during a meeting in Beijing with visiting US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, according to a statement by China’s Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday.
During discussions on Monday that were described as “rational and pragmatic”, Wang Wentao said China hoped the US could “precisely define security boundaries and avoid overgeneralising and politicising security issues, and weaponising [commerce and trade activities with China].”
Wang said China was willing to work with the US to create a favourable business environment that could boost bilateral trade.
Schumer said Washington wants to strengthen communications and exchanges with Beijing, adding that both congressional Republicans and Democrats value the bilateral economic and trade relationship and do not seek “decoupling” from China, according to the readout.
02:27
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets top US senator, says China-US ties impact 'destiny of mankind'
The discussion was among a series of meetings the US delegation has held with the Chinese leadership since arriving in Shanghai on Saturday as part of their three-country tour, with trips to South Korea and Japan to follow.
