Signals from the China–US trade talks in Paris

The China-US trade talks in Paris have wrapped up. Both sides discussed the idea of creating a new mechanism to promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation. And there are quite a few signals worth paying attention to.

At the press conference, the Chinese side spoke first.
· Chinese international trade representative Li Chenggang gave a relatively detailed briefing, outlining China's position and the key points of the discussions.
· The US side answered only a few questions, some not even directly related to the trade negotiations.

Overall, China described the talks as "in-depth, candid and constructive". The US side used similar language.

But does positive rhetoric mean the tensions underneath have disappeared? During the talks, the Chinese side voiced opposition to two recent Section 301 investigations launched by the US, and expressed concern that they could undermine the hard-won stability of bilateral economic relations.

In any case, one signal is clear: a stable China-US economic relationship benefits not only the two countries, but also the global economy. The key now is whether both sides can meet halfway and keep the relationship moving forward. 

Correspondent: Zheng Wanyin, Yu Ruoyu