China's international trade representative: preliminary consensus reached between China and US on some issues

Li Chenggang, China's international trade representative to the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce, briefed the press after a new round of economic and trade talks between China and the United States in Paris, France.

During this round of economic and trade talks between China and the United States, the two sides reached a preliminary consensus on some issues, Li Chenggang said.

In a meeting with the press on Monday, Li said the two sides have held deep, open and constructive talks over the past day and a half and will continue to maintain the consultation process.

Li said that the discussions covered, among other things, the level of bilateral tariffs in the new environment and the possible extension of existing tariffs and related non-tariff measures. The U.S. side briefed China on its latest tariff adjustments and future considerations, while China expressed concern about the uncertainty these changes may bring.

Li stressed that the two sides agreed to work together to maintain the stability of bilateral economic and trade relations and discussed the idea of establishing a bilateral working mechanism to promote cooperation in trade and investment.

On the issue of U.S. restrictions on Chinese trade and investment, particularly the recent launch of two Section 301 investigations involving China, Li stressed that China's position remains consistent and that China opposes such unilateral investigations.

„We are concerned about the potential disruption and damage that the results of these investigations may cause to the hard-won stability of Sino-US economic and trade relations,“ uvedl Li.

He added that China will closely monitor the development of these investigations and take timely measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.

He expressed his hope that the US side would honour its commitments and work with China to facilitate a long-term and stable Sino-US trade and economic relationship.

Li also stressed that both sides agreed that stable bilateral economic and trade relations benefit not only China and the United States, but also the world.

CMG