China, U.S. to intensify trade consultations in August: MOC

Gao Feng, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce, gestures at the ministry's press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 1, 2019. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

Chinese and U.S. negotiating teams will maintain close communication and intensify trade consultations at the work level in August to prepare for the meeting of chief trade negotiators from both sides in September, said the Ministry of Commerce Thursday.

Gao Feng, a spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks at a news conference.

The two sides held the 12th round of China-U.S. high-level economic and trade consultations in Shanghai from Tuesday to Wednesday and have agreed to hold the next round of consultations in the U.S. in September.

In the 12th round of consultations, the two sides discussed the reasons for the previous deadlock, clarified stances on major economic and trade issues, and defined the principles, methods and schedules for future consultations, Gao said.

Responding to some U.S. comments imposing pressure on China, Gao said the bilateral consultations must be conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

He expressed the hope that the U.S. side will make positive efforts, show sincerity and goodwill, and create a good atmosphere for the consultations.

The two sides have far more common interests than disputes in the economic and trade field, Gao stressed, adding that the pursuit for mutual benefit is the essence of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

As to when an agreement could be reached, Gao said this would depend on the progress of the consultations.

The U.S. side should show sufficient sincerity, properly resolve China's core concerns, and make joint efforts with China to seek solutions on the basis of equality and mutual respect, he said.