US, China discuss economic challenges, supply chains

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Top American and Chinese officials had a discussion over a video call on Tuesday to discuss global economic challenges, especially regarding supply chains.

The exchange between Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen comes as President Joe Biden considers lowering tariffs on Chinese imports in order to combat rising inflation. In addition, the world's two largest economies are dealing with clogged supply chains and rising global energy prices.

"The two sides agree that as the world economy is facing severe challenges, it is of great significance to strengthen macro-policy communication and coordination between China and the United States," China's official Xinhua news agency reported.

"And jointly maintaining the stability of the global industrial and supply chains is in the interests of both countries and the whole world."

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According to the Xinhua report, the video call was requested by the US and the conversation was "constructive."

The US Treasury Department said in a readout that Yellen and Liu "discussed macroeconomic and financial developments in the United States and China, the global economic outlook amid rising commodity prices, and food security challenges."

"Secretary Yellen frankly raised issues of concern including the impact of Russia's war 'against' Ukraine on the global economy and unfair, non-market (Chinese) economic practices."

China has repeatedly refused to join the Western sanction campaign and condemned the arms sales to Ukraine. 

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With inflation in the United States at 40-year highs, authorities there are rushing to try and find ways to ease price pressures. Lifting some of the trade tariffs imposed on China by Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, is one option.

Any decision is likely to be made soon, as some of Trump's duties are set to expire on July 6 unless they are renewed. The penalties were imposed to "punish" China for what the US claims are unfair trade practices.

In the call with Yellen, China "expressed its concern about issues including the lifting of additional tariffs on China and sanctions by the US side", according to Xinhua. Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet in the coming weeks.