China’s new trade chief urges US to return relations to right track
- Commerce Minister Wang Wentao uses first press briefing to remind Washington that both countries benefit from cooperation
- Wang says China will work with the US on trade and the economy on the basis of mutual respect
“In the next stage, I also look forward to working with colleagues in the United States to strengthen communication, enhance understanding, focus on cooperation and manage risks, to push bilateral economic and trade relations back on the right track, in accordance with the spirit of the call between the two heads of state,” said Wang, who was appointed as trade head in late December.
His comments came as the Biden administration refines its China policies, with more indications that Washington will continue with its hardline stance on China while trying to rally support from like-minded partners.
President Joe Biden said last Friday, in a speech to the Munich Security Conference, that the US and its international allies must push back against Beijing’s “abuses and coercion that undercut the foundations of the international economic system”.