TRADE talks between China and the United States on protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) continued as an overwhelming majority of US businessmen and trade associations expressed opposition to the imposition of sanctions on China.
China's Foreign Ministry said the differences between the US and China were not great and that both sides could resolve the issue.
'So long as the two sides can settle this issue calmly and seek the truth from facts, I believe an agreement can be reached,' said foreign ministry spokesman Shen Guofang.
'China is ready to settle the problems and disputes with the US on intellectual property on the basis of mutual respect and through consultations held on an equal footing. However, an agreement calls for joint efforts from both sides.
'The two sides have a clear idea about the importance of the settlement of this dispute for the improvement and development of Sino-US relations.' A senior US official said the talks would continue as long as discussions remained constructive.
'I don't know when the talks will end but they will continue into the weekend,' he said.
'I think the Chinese would like to conclude everything by that date [January 29] but I'm not sure whether we would be able to do that.' He said that there had been no pressure from Washington for an early conclusion to the negotiations but that the US was interested in a viable agreement.
