Substantive progress made in talks with US, important consensus reached: Chinese vice premier

Substantive progress has been made during the high-level economic and trade talks between China and the United States in Geneva, and important consensus has been reached between the two sides, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Sunday.

The talks were candid, in-depth and constructive, said He, also the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, at a press conference following the conclusion of the two-day talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the U.S. lead person, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Both sides have reached an agreement on establishing a China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, and will conduct further consultations on issues of mutual concern, he said.

He said China and the U.S. will on Monday issue a joint statement reached during the talks.

The two sides have taken an important step to resolve differences through equal dialogue and consultation, he added.

Noting that the China-U.S. economic and trade ties are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, he said China is ready to work with the U..S side to manage differences, extend the list of cooperation, and make the pie of cooperation bigger.

Substantive progress made in talks with US, important consensus reached: Chinese vice premier

Substantive progress made in talks with US, important consensus reached: Chinese vice premier

Substantive progress made in talks with US, important consensus reached: Chinese vice premier

Substantive progress made in talks with US, important consensus reached: Chinese vice premier

John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), announced on Friday that an independent committee will have nine months to investigate the Wang Fuk Court fire that occurred in late November.

The fire, which erupted on November 26 in Tai Po, has claimed 160 lives as of 16:00 Tuesday, with six people still reported missing, according to authorities.

At a press conference, Lee said the committee will be led by Judge David Lok, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, and will also include Legislative Council Finance Committee Chairman Chan Kin-por and outgoing MTR Corporation Chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen.

"Nine months is a very challenging time indeed, but I want to solve the problem as quickly as possible. So I want to give what I regard as a time frame -- realistic -- provided the independent committee is given sufficient means to maneuver, while ensuring the examination is just. They can streamline procedure and be given more flexibility so that they can finish their work within the nine months. And I also have given them a reserve power. That is, if the independent committee considers, by examining all these complicated issues, there may be one which they think, by exercising the powers that is given to a statutory commissioner of inquiry, will help them complete their work, then I'm very willing to consider a recommendation by the independent commission to seek appointing them as the commission of inquiry," Lee said.

Lee noted that the committee's investigation will focus on the causes and circumstances of the fire, and whether systemic issues exist in large-scale building management and renovation projects.

The committee will also examine whether the current regulations and penalties are sufficient in these two areas and will make relevant recommendations. The investigation reports are expected to be made public.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, David Lok stressed the need for fairness and impartiality in the investigation, saying that he would refrain from commenting on the investigation until the committee completes its work.

"During this period, I hope everyone understands that although this is a committee, I am leading this work in my capacity as a judge. Judges must also adhere to certain professional principles, including being fair and impartial. We need to conduct rational analysis based on facts before making any factual judgments or recommendations; we cannot be emotional. Furthermore, we cannot have a pre-established position. In fact, before every judge hears a case, we should ideally start with a blank slate and cannot have a predetermined stance," said Lok.

"So today, if you ask me for my views on certain matters or how we will conduct the investigation, I’m afraid I won't be able to answer as freely as I could when I was at the Electoral Affairs Commission. But I hope all media friends and residents understand that I do not wish to evade questions; it is simply that some questions at this stage are inappropriate for the committee chair to answer. Therefore, during the investigation, I do not expect to speak with you again until our work is completed," he said.

Investigation into Tai Po fire to conclude within nine months: HKSAR chief executive