China and US make ‘progress’ in Beijing but trade war talks to continue in Washington next week
- Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He met US counterparts including Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin
- Truce deadline agreed between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in December is set to expire on March 1
China and the United States have agreed to continue talks in Washington next week after two days of negotiations in Beijing produced “progress”, but not enough to finalise a deal to end the trade war.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday urged for a mutually beneficial deal in next week’s talks, while seated at the head of a long table of Chinese and American negotiators including US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
“I hope you can make persistent efforts to push forward an agreement that can benefit both sides,” Xi was quoted as saying by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. “We all think that in terms of maintaining the prosperity and stability of the world, as well as promoting global economic prosperity and development, our two countries share broad mutual interest.”
He said officials from both sides should properly manage their differences and step up communications to ensure the healthy development of their trade relationship, but added that “principles must be adhered to”.
“We are willing to resolve the issues through cooperation and seek an agreement acceptable to both sides,” Xi said.