US and China to hold regular talks during Commerce Chief Raimondo’s first meeting in Beijing.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Holds Face-to-Face Meeting with Chinese Counterpart
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo had an important meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, in Beijing. The two sides agreed to establish a new working group and launch dialogues on export control enforcement information. This marks the first visit by a U.S. commerce chief to China in seven years, and it comes at a crucial time as China’s economy faces challenges.
Analysts suggest that Chinese officials are running out of options to address their economic issues and hope that the United States can provide assistance. Ms. Raimondo emphasized the importance of a stable economic relationship between the two countries, acknowledging that there will be disagreements but expressing optimism about making progress through direct and practical discussions.
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The Biden administration is actively seeking to reopen high-level communication with China, sending multiple cabinet officials to Beijing in recent months. On the other hand, no senior Chinese officials have visited Washington since the lifting of COVID-19 lockdowns. The United States extended an invitation to China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, but has not received a response.
During the meeting, Mr. Wang emphasized the importance of economic ties between China and the United States, stating that they benefit not only the two countries but also the entire world. He expressed China’s readiness to work with the United States to create a favorable policy environment for business cooperation.
However, recent anti-spy crackdowns and the introduction of an updated anti-espionage law have created a hostile business environment for Americans in China. Ms. Raimondo will address these concerns during her visit, which includes meetings with Chinese officials and American business leaders.
New Working Groups and Dialogues
The meeting resulted in the agreement to establish a “commercial issues working group” that will focus on trade and investment issues and advance U.S. commercial interests in China. This working group will meet twice a year at the vice minister level and include representatives from both countries’ private sectors.
Additionally, the two sides agreed to launch an “export control enforcement information exchange” to reduce misunderstandings of U.S. national security policies. The first meeting will take place at the assistant secretary level in Beijing.
Ms. Raimondo emphasized that national security is non-negotiable but highlighted the importance of transparency and clear communication regarding export control enforcement. The United States is taking steps to restrict investment in China’s sensitive technologies to protect its own national security interests.
Concerns and Observations
Some House Republicans have expressed concerns about the U.S.-China joint working group on export control, emphasizing that decisions on export controls should be made in Washington, not Beijing.
Outside observers caution that China’s willingness to engage with the United States may not be for peaceful cooperation but rather to steal technology and advance its own capabilities. The visit by Secretary Raimondo is an opportunity to address these concerns and ensure that the economic relationship between the two countries is mutually beneficial.
Overall, the face-to-face meeting between Secretary Raimondo and Minister Wang is a significant step towards improving the economic relationship between the United States and China. Both sides recognize the importance of cooperation and dialogue, while also addressing concerns and protecting national security interests.
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