Chinese, US commerce chiefs hold ‘candid talks’, raise complaints on trade

ISTANBUL

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao exchanged barbs on trade, investment and export policies during their meeting in Washington.

However, Wang and Raimondo agreed to “strengthen exchanges on specific economic and trade concerns and issues concerning cooperation,” according to the Chinese Commerce Ministry.

The two-day meeting will continue on Friday.

Beijing expressed “key concerns on the US’ China policies on economy and trade, and semiconductors, as well as issues concerning export control and outbound investments review.

A brief readout from the US Department of Commerce said the two had “candid and substantive discussions” on issues relating to the US-China commercial relationship.

The duo discussed the “overall environment in both countries for trade and investment and areas for potential cooperation.”

Raimondo raised concerns about the “recent spate of PRC (People’s Republic of China) actions taken” against US companies operating in China.

The statement added that the US expressed its “commitment to continuing to build on the engagement” between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during their bilateral summit in Indonesia last November.