Beijing and Washington Say Trade Talks Today Were ‘Constructive’

Oct. 9, 2021 (EIRNS)—U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He met virtually today for the second time since their May meeting, in what the Chinese Ministry of Commerce described as a “candid, pragmatic and constructive” dialogue. Tai and Liu agreed to “keep communicating in an attitude of equality and mutual respect,” according to the Ministry statement, which reported three areas of discussion:

“First, China-U.S. economic and trade relations are of great importance to the two countries and the world at large and bilateral economic and trade exchanges and cooperation should be strengthened.

“Second, the two sides exchanged views on the implementation of the China-U.S. economic and trade agreement.

“Third, both sides expressed their core concerns and agreed to resolve each other’s legitimate concerns through consultation.”

The Chinese side called for cancelling the additional tariffs and sanctions imposed during the Trump administration, and defended the Chinese development model and industrial policies, which the U.S. side criticized.

Reuters, citing a USTR source, reported that the U.S. complaints about China’s trade and subsidy practices are now focused on accusing China of “doubling down on its authoritarian state-centric approach” and being “resistant to addressing our structural concerns.”

The Global Times coverage included a report that Tai on Oct. 4 “pledged to exclude some Chinese imports from tariffs imposed under the former Trump administration.” It also reported that Beijing’s Ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang told its interviewer on Oct. 8 that Tai said the U.S. is now seeking to “recouple” with China, after the “decoupling” talk during the Trump administration.