US-China Trade Ministers Meeting... Chinese State Media "Discuss Tariffs and High-Tech"

"Hope to Help Ease Tensions Between the Two Countries"

The United States and China are resuming high-level contacts in the trade sector. Chinese state media forecast that tariffs and the high-tech industry will be discussed, expressing hope that this meeting will help ease tensions between the two countries.

Wang Wentao, China's Minister of Commerce, will visit the United States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers' Meeting held in Detroit on the 25th-26th (local time). A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on the 25th that during this period, Wang will hold talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai. The spokesperson explained that Minister Wang plans to communicate with the U.S. side about China-U.S. economic and trade relations and shared interests.

The Chinese side has a positive assessment that some of the escalating tensions between the two countries may be alleviated. The Chinese state media outlet Global Times (GT) cited Lu Xiang, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, who evaluated the meeting by saying, "If discussions progress in practical areas, it could mark the beginning of a 'thaw' in relations."

Additionally, it was reported that the meeting was made possible by the appointment of Xie Feng, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the long-vacant post of Ambassador to the United States. Researcher Lu said, "Smooth follow-up cooperation is an important indicator of improved bilateral relations," adding, "However, more time is needed to see if positive changes will occur."

Earlier, the U.S. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also reported on Minister Wang's meeting, calling it "an advanced sign that the two countries are seeking to restore high-level exchanges," and noting, "Considering this is the first ministerial-level meeting held in Washington during the Biden administration, the chances of success are high."

Both sides are expected to discuss issues such as the high tariffs imposed by the U.S. on China during the Donald Trump administration, recent sanctions by the Chinese government against the U.S. semiconductor company Micron, and U.S. restrictions on semiconductor equipment exports to China.

He Weiyuan, a senior researcher at the China and Globalization Center, said, "Officials from both sides will discuss supply chains and high-tech containment," adding, "If the U.S. eases technology suppression or lifts tariffs with one or two meaningful measures, it would be a positive signal for bilateral relations."

Researcher Lu also explained, "Given the relatively high inflation in the U.S., lowering tariffs on Chinese products would be very positive news for American consumers and the macroeconomy," and added, "Policies that consider national interests can be a positive factor in China-U.S. relations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.