Chinese State Media: Progress in US-China High-Level Talks Depends on US

Xinhua: "An Opportunity and a Test... US Must Approach Negotiations with a Rational Attitude"

Chinese state media asserted that the progress of the upcoming US-China high-level economic and trade talks, scheduled to take place in Paris, France on March 15-16 (local time), depends on the attitude of the United States.

Donald Trump, President of the United States, and Xi Jinping, President of China, are shaking hands as they leave the meeting room after concluding the US-China summit at Naraemaru Protocol Office, Busan Gimhae Air Base, on the 30th. Photo by Yonhap News

On March 15, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency stated in a commentary, "Whether the upcoming talks achieve progress depends largely on the US side," adding, "The United States should approach the negotiations with a rational and pragmatic attitude, and act in accordance with principles that support stable economic relations between China and the US."

This round of talks is being held ahead of US President Donald Trump's planned visit to China starting March 31, and is widely viewed as a preparatory step for a summit between the two leaders.

Xinhua News Agency emphasized, "The new talks represent both an opportunity and a test," stressing that, "By focusing on long-term cooperation and mutual respect, the two sides can narrow their differences and broaden cooperation, leading to progress that will benefit both countries and the global economy." The commentary continued, "Given the unstable recovery of the global economy and rising uncertainty, this meeting carries even greater significance," adding, "The world expects both sides to move closer together and bring greater stability to global trade and growth."

Xinhua also highlighted that communication between the US and Chinese leaders has shaped the framework of bilateral relations since last year. Referring to the talks between US and Chinese delegations held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ahead of the Busan summit at the end of October last year, Xinhua noted that several agreements had been reached.

The commentary explained, "At the Kuala Lumpur meeting, the two sides reached a series of consensuses on various issues, including US Trade Act Section 301 measures against China's shipping, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors; mutual tariff suspension extensions; cooperation on fentanyl-related tariffs and counter-narcotics efforts; trade expansion; and export control issues." The commentary added that the two countries have since maintained close communication and exchanged views on economic and trade issues.

However, Xinhua also acknowledged that it will be difficult to resolve US-China conflicts in the short term.

The commentary stated, "The structural and deep-rooted differences that have accumulated in the economic and trade relationship between China and the US over the years cannot be resolved overnight." It criticized the United States for launching Trade Act Section 301 investigations targeting 16 economic entities, including China, over alleged 'overcapacity' in the manufacturing sector, saying this has "once again heightened uncertainties in global trade."

Xinhua further stated, "China is closely monitoring these developments and will comprehensively assess the US actions," asserting, "China has the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."

This commentary came shortly after US President Donald Trump called on major countries, including South Korea, China, and Japan, to dispatch warships to help protect shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. It is therefore also being interpreted as a message emphasizing the importance of US-China cooperation amid instability in the Middle East.

On March 14 (local time), President Trump stated on Truth Social, "Many countries, especially those affected by Iran's attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz, must send warships to work with the United States to keep the strait open and safe," mentioning China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom as the five countries involved.

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