Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming told a news briefing in Washington that "China is highly concerned, and has high hopes that the Obama Administration will reform its export control regime".

"We hope that the US will provide substantial trade facilitation to China, as it (an improvement) is good for both China and the US," Chen said.

Many US senators have blamed China's currency policies for the bilateral trade imbalance, and are pressing for legislation to allow high duties to be imposed on Chinese exports. But experts and the Chinese government insisted export control is a major reason for the US trade deficit with China.

Meanwhile, China has also promised to implement software legalization and ensure that all software used in government departments is copyrighted, and has set a target to hold further discussions with the US in early January.

Other areas in which China has agreed to treat foreign players on the same terms as their domestic counterparts in 3G technologies and smart grid facilities (electricity networks which utilize digital technology).

China has also agreed to "resume imports of American beef".

"The fact that China has compromised on many key issues is a signal that the country places high value on bilateral cooperation, the trade conflicts notwithstanding. The outcome (of the talks) will also help ease bilateral tensions," said Huo Jianguo, director of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation with the ministry.

(China Daily December 17, 2010)