China, US Hail 'progress' In Trade Talks

Top Chinese and US officials, who spoke by phone on Monday, see progress on resolving issues over the Phase 1 trade deal reached in January and both sides are committed to the success of the agreement, the US Trade Representative's Office said.

Vice Premier Liu He spoke to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Beijing's commerce ministry said in a statement.

The two sides had constructive talks on the trade deal and strengthening macroeconomic policy coordination, the ministry said.

"The parties addressed steps that China has taken to effectuate structural changes called for by the agreement that will ensure greater protection for intellectual property rights, remove impediments to American companies in the areas of financial services and agriculture, and eliminate forced technology transfer," the US Trade Representative's Office said.

"The parties also discussed the significant increases in purchases of US products by China as well as future actions needed to implement the agreement," it said.

"Both sides see progress and are committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure the success of the agreement," USTR said.

The phone call was originally envisioned for August 15, the six-month anniversary of the trade deal's launch.

US President Donald Trump, who has frequently expressed anger at China over the coronavirus pandemic, said last week he had postponed talks with China because "I don't want to deal with them now." (Reuters)