China, U.S. hold pragmatic talks on policy, business issues

The China-U.S. commercial and trade working group held its second vice-ministerial meeting in Tianjin on Saturday. According to Xinhua, the two sides engaged in "professional, rational and pragmatic" discussions on policy issues and business matters.

The meeting was co-chaired by Wang Shouwen, China's international trade representative and vice minister of commerce; and Marisa Lago, U.S. under secretary of commerce for international trade, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC).

During the meeting, the Chinese side expressed concerns about several issues, including U.S. Section 301 tariffs, the Section 301 investigation into China's shipbuilding and other sectors, the overextension of national security concepts, sanctions on Chinese companies, restrictions on bilateral investments, U.S. trade remedies against China, and the unfair treatment of Chinese firms in the U.S.

The Chinese delegation emphasized that clarifying the boundaries of national security in economic and trade matters would help stabilize business cooperation expectations. It opposes using claims of "overcapacity" as a pretext for imposing trade and investment restrictions, according to the MOC.

Wang stated that China is willing to work with the U.S. to enhance communication, expand cooperation, address differences, and create a favorable policy environment for business between the two countries.

He also noted that China will continue to deepen reforms, expand opening up, and pursue high-quality development. Wang highlighted that a modernized China with a large population presents an opportunity, not a threat, for the U.S.

Both sides agreed to support trade and investment promotion activities hosted by either country, maintain communication in areas such as cross-border data flows, inspection and quarantine, healthcare, women's health, medical devices and clean energy, and facilitate cooperation between Chinese and U.S. businesses by establishing more project offices.

They also aim to strengthen collaboration within frameworks such as the G20 and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. The MOC added that the commerce departments of both countries are committed to maintaining dialogue with businesses and addressing their feedback.

(With input from Xinhua)