WASHINGTON: US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo engaged in “productive” discussions with Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng as a prelude to her upcoming visit to China. The aim of her visit is to ease the tensions between the two largest global economies.
Raimondo has scheduled to travel to Beijing and Shanghai in the following week for talks regarding economic matters. This visit, set for August 27-30, occurs amid the US’s efforts to stabilize its relationship with China. The talks will also focus on the challenges faced by US businesses and potential areas for cooperation. The US Department of Commerce issued a statement outlining these intentions.
According to a statement from the Chinese embassy in Washington, Ambassador Xie emphasized Beijing’s commitment to a policy of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. Xie noted the current global scenario is marked by chaos, intertwined interests, a fragile global economic recovery, and emerging crises.
Raimondo’s trip follows an agreement made between US President and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit in Bali. This agreement aimed to enhance communication between the two nations after years of deteriorating relations.
In recent weeks, several high-ranking US officials, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and climate envoy John Kerry, have visited China to strengthen diplomatic ties.
US-China Tech Tensions
The US has imposed various trade and industry restrictions on China, citing national security concerns. However, Beijing perceives these actions as attempts to impede its economic progress.
As part of the latest measures aimed at China’s tech sector, President Biden signed an executive order prohibiting US firms from investing in certain segments, including advanced computer chips and artificial intelligence. Beijing has criticized these restrictions as being anti-globalization and has pledged to implement countermeasures.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan addressed accusations of stifling China’s economic growth. He asserted that the Biden administration’s goal is to minimize risks. Sullivan stated that a stable Chinese economy is beneficial for the world.
