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US, China officials discuss trade relations and issues

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 May 2023 09:04

It was noted in the Chinese Commerce Department's press release that this meeting was part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication between the two countries.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin speaks during a regular press conference in Beijing, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (AP)

The US Department of Commerce announced that the Secretary of Commerce met with the Chinese Minister of Commerce in Washington to discuss trade relations between the two global powers, including the recent actions Beijing took against US companies in China in retaliation to US actions.

"Today, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo met with Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China Wang Wentao in Washington, DC, The two had candid and substantive discussions on issues relating to the US-China commercial relationship, including 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 U.S. companies operating in the PRC," the Department of Commerce said in a press release.

It was noted in the Commerce Department's press release that this meeting was part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication between the two countries.

During the meeting, Wang communicated concerns about the US' policy on Chinese semiconductors, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

"The Chinese side has expressed serious concerns about US economic and trade policies toward China, semiconductor policies, export controls, and supervision of foreign investments," the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

The ministry also noted that the two parties had a constructive and professional discussion on the future of Chinese-American trade relations, and also agreed to establish channels of communication and to strengthen coordination on specific economic, trade, and cooperation issues.

American-Chinese trade relations have been somewhat improving, despite some diplomatic deterioration. Official figures demonstrate that American imports from China jumped to $536.8 billion last year since Americans splurged on Chinese goods such as toys and phones, while US exports to China increased to $153.8 billion.