Not a Thaw, but Less Acrimony in U.S.-China Economic Talks with Gina Raimondo

The meeting of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao seems to be proceeding relatively more positively than the recent visits of other American officials to China. Prior to her visit, the United States lifted restrictions on 27 Chinese companies, a measure which was taken as a good will gesture. In four hours of discussions today the two sides have decided to set up a communications group at the vice-ministerial and director level as well as involving business representatives, which will work to deal with specific commercial problems that may arise. There will be meetings twice a year at the vice-ministerial level and the ministers have agreed to meet once a year.