Xi's top economic adviser visits US this week

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One of China’s senior economic officials arrives in Washington this week. Member of Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Liu He hopes to defuse growing trade tensions.

He’ll arrive as President Trump is considering a variety of trade measures against China, including tariffs on aluminum and steel.

Liu He’s trip to Washington comes just weeks after China’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi was in the city meeting with the US President and his advisers.

US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping make joint statements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Nov. 9, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Just after that visit, the US Commerce department recommended action against imports of steel and aluminum. President Trump is now weighing that recommendation.

The Trump White House is also considering other measures, including a reciprocal tax on countries that impose higher tariffs on US goods than the US does on theirs.

Also in US consideration is action on technology transfers and the protection of intellectual property.

Washington has already imposed tariffs on imports of solar panels and cells, and washing machines, and has labeled China a “strategic rival” in a review of national security policy.

China has called on the US to abandon what Beijing calls “Cold War thinking” and has hinted that if the US imposes more trade restrictions China could source products it currently buys from the US from other countries.

Installing a solar panel at a residential home in Scripps Ranch, San Diego, US, Oct. 14, 2016. /Reuters Photo

Liu He serves as director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs and vice chair of the National Development and Reform Commission – key bodies dealing with China’s economic policy.

He represented China at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos where he said China’s reform measures this year could “exceed the international community’s expectations.”

Liu’s visit comes as China is preparing for its annual legislative session. Government reforms and appointments will be debated and adopted, many of which are related to economic changes, so this visit comes at a key time.

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