Update | China, US ‘to resume comprehensive economic dialogue’ amid trade war fears
The US suspended the high-level talks last year, but Beijing says Washington has agreed to resume the negotiations ‘as early as possible’
China and the United States have agreed to resume their high-level economic dialogue, according to the Chinese government, after the talks were suspended last year by the US amid rising trade tensions between the two nations.
Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi announced the resumption of the talks in remarks on Thursday while meeting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during a visit to Washington.
Yang’s trip came amid fears of a looming trade war between China and the US, with Washington hinting it is about take punitive measures to counter alleged unfair Chinese trade practices.
Yang told Tillerson both nations have to maintain a good trade relationship through opening up their markets, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
“It’s proven by fact that the nature of the Sino-US trade relationship is mutually beneficial to each other, creating huge benefits to both sides,” Yang was quoted as saying. “Both sides can explore cooperation on energy, infrastructure and the Belt and Road Initiative and open up each other’s markets and handle differences appropriately.”
