US envoy holds ‘candid’ first talks with senior Chinese official as trade tensions persist
New American ambassador David Perdue says he shares Trump’s priorities for ties after meeting Chinese foreign vice-minister
The two sides had a “candid and in-depth” exchange of views on China-US relations and important issues of mutual concern, according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.
“China views and handles China-US relations in accordance with the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and firmly safeguards its sovereignty, security and development interests,” Ma was quoted as saying.
“We hope that the US will meet China halfway to jointly promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations.”
The meeting took place after Beijing and Washington agreed in Geneva earlier this month to temporarily reduce mutual tariffs for 90 days. The two countries had imposed several rounds of tit-for-tat levies on each other after Trump launched a global tariff war on April 2.