During trade talks held in Tianjin on Saturday, China’s Ministry of Commerce reiterated that its vast market presents an opportunity rather than a threat to the United States. The discussions were co-chaired by China’s Commerce Vice Minister Wang Shouwen and U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago.
In a statement, the Chinese ministry described the talks as “professional, rational and pragmatic”, with both sides addressing policy and business concerns raised by their respective business communities. China expressed its opposition to U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and investment restrictions imposed under the pretext of overcapacity.
Earlier this week, China had called on the U.S. to remove all tariffs on Chinese products, ahead of an expected announcement by the Biden administration regarding potential increases in levies on items such as electric vehicles imported from China.
The Tianjin talks marked the second such meeting this year between the two officials, occurring amidst ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.