US-China relations: slow but key progress made after high-level visits, say American entrepreneurs

High-level exchanges between China and the US have laid a foundation for mending relations between the rival powers and reopening business channels, American entrepreneurs say.

While official visits this summer have yet to produce tangible agreements that would signal a halt in fraying ties, the renewed diplomacy could lead to lower import tariffs and create a friendlier commercial climate on both sides, they contend.

“I think any direct engagement is better than rhetoric given to the media for political purposes,” said George Chen, an acclaimed chef and owner of a four-floor restaurant complex in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

“It’s really important to understand that both superpowers will suffer if China and the US don’t cooperate.”