China’s top trade negotiator, US Treasury secretary hold ‘candid’ call

Beijing, Oct 26 (EFE).- China’s top trade negotiator and the United States treasury secretary held a “candid” virtual meeting on Tuesday as part of a bilateral “comprehensive economic dialog,” both countries reported.

The meeting between vice premier Liu He and Janet Yellen, which focused on the macroeconomic situation and bilateral and multilateral cooperation, was “practical, candid and constructive,” according to Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua on Tuesday.

Both sides agreed that at a time when global economic recovery is at “a critical juncture,” it is important that China and the US “strengthen macro policy communication and coordination.”

“The Chinese side expressed concern over issues including the lifting of additional tariffs and sanctions by the US side and fair treatment of Chinese enterprises,” Xinhua added.

Yellen “also frankly raised issues of concern,” the US Treasury said in a statement.

Both sides agreed to remain in communication.

Liu also met US Trade Representative Katherine Tai virtually on Oct. 9, a meeting which Beijing termed as “pragmatic, candid and constructive.”

The relationship between China and the US began to deteriorate in March 2018 with the start of a trade dispute during the term of former US president Donald Trump and the subsequent imposition of tariffs by both countries, which later led to diplomatic rows and technology standoffs.

After the arrival of Joe Biden to the White House in January, both countries have tried to redirect relations, although Washington has continued the policy of sanctions and bans on Chinese companies initiated by Trump. EFE

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