The latest China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva marks a significant step forward for international trade, director-general of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said on Sunday.
Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement that she was pleased with the positive outcome of the talks.
Amid current global tensions, such progress is important not only for the United States and China but also for the rest of the world, including the most vulnerable economies, she said.
In an earlier interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Okonjo-Iweala said that as the world is facing rising fragmentation and uncertainty, economies should keep sober and careful in decision making.
"It's been a challenging few years for world trade. We've seen protectionism on the rise, various measures being used by different countries. We need to be very careful that trade policy uncertainty and fragmentation do not impact the world in an adverse way. Let us not to rush to take action and counter action. So, let's keep steady. Let's keep everyone deliberate. Let's chill," she said.
Over the weekend, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, held a high-level meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Geneva.
According to a joint statement released after the meeting, both China and the U.S. commit to remove 91 percent tariffs and suspend 24 percent tariffs for 90 days while retaining the remaining 10 percent tariffs. On this basis, the two sides will continue to negotiate on economic and trade relations.
WTO chief says China-US economic, trade meeting marks significant step forward
WTO chief says China-US economic, trade meeting marks significant step forward
WTO chief says China-US economic, trade meeting marks significant step forward
China is ready to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia through a more proactive approach, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday.
China is willing to work with Australia to prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges, maintain the momentum of improvement in bilateral ties and properly manage their differences, Wang said.
Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in the Malaysian capital on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings.
Over the past three years, China-Australia relations have stabilized, turned around and achieved positive results, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
It proves that as long as the two countries uphold a correct positioning of their partnership, bilateral relations can develop steadily and continue to yield results, Wang said.
The Chinese foreign minister noted that Australia's rational and pragmatic policy toward China serves the interests of both countries and aligns with the trend of the times.
For her part, Wong said that Australia is committed to developing a positive and pragmatic relationship with China.
Both sides are making every effort to prepare for high-level exchanges and look forward to achieving positive outcomes, she said, adding that dialogue and cooperation between Australia and China in trade, tourism and other fields have continued to make progress, and personnel exchanges have become increasingly active.
Wong noted that Australia remains firmly committed to the one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence."
Australia is willing to engage in candid communication and deepen cooperation with China to promote the sustained and positive development of bilateral relations, she said.
Wong said that Australia supports the central role of ASEAN and is committed to maintaining regional peace and stability.
The two sides also exchanged views on issues including the South China Sea and the Ukraine crisis.
China to take more active part in promoting comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia: FM
