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Bloomberg
US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang amid rising trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies and the escalating risk of North Korea’s nuclear progress.
China hopes the countries can improve economic and trade ties and that their common interests outweigh their differences, Li told Ross. US officials have been greeted warmly, Ross said, adding that it “augers very well for the forthcoming visit between President Trump and President Xi.
We are looking forward to a very good session including a lot of American CEOs and we hope there will be some very good deliverables.â€
Beijing is Ross’s first stop on a trip to Asia that will also include visits to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Vientiane, Laos. Ross also met with Vice Premier Wang Yang to discuss issues including increased market access for US firms, according to the official Weibo account of the US Embassy in China.
Ross’s visit comes as the US has increased calls to reduce the trade deficit with the world’s biggest exporting nation. Earlier this month, he announced a probe into China’s stainless steel flanges for alleged unfair subsidies, the latest move after the US. Trade Representative began an investigation into China’s IP practices.
China announced it would restrict some oil product exports to North Korea, as Trump seeks to further isolate Kim Jong Un’s regime. Li said he hoped the US would be fair on Chinese investments.