Frank Sino-US talks can avert possible trade war

As each other's largest trading partner, China and the United States both set great store by their trade ties. Yet with the surplus in China's favor proving an itch that US President Donald Trump can't stop scratching in his bid to achieve what he calls "fair and reciprocal" trade relationships, in real speak meaning they conform to his "America first" mantra for the voters, trade tensions between the world's two largest economies have been on the rise.

Having already imposed punitive tariffs on solar panels from China and threatening to levy a big fine for what the US alleges is intellectual property theft, Trump is also reportedly mulling punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from China.

Given the increasing protectionist measures Washington has been taking since Trump took office, there has not surprisingly been talk of tit-for-tat actions leading to a possible trade war. To avoid that worst-case scenario, the two sides should take the opportunity of this week's visit to Washington by China's top economic adviser to focus on common ground and find reasonable solutions to their trade differences.