China, US confirm framework of implementing Geneva trade talks consensus: commerce ministry

China and the U.S. have recently confirmed details on the framework of implementing Geneva trade talks consensus, said a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson on Friday.

The spokesperson noted that under the guidance of the consensus between the two heads of state, the Chinese and U.S. economic and trade teams conducted a meeting in London from June 9 to 10.

They have agreed in principle the framework for implementing consensus between the two heads of state during their phone talks on June 5, as well as those reached at Geneva talks. The teams have maintained close communication after the London meeting.

Recently, upon approval, both sides further clarified the framework's details. According to the spokesperson, China will approve the export applications of controlled items in accordance with laws for eligible cases while the U.S. will correspondingly remove a series of restrictive measures against China.

The spokesperson called on the U.S. to move in the same direction with China, further leverage bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanisms in line with the important consensus and directives reached during the June 5 leaders' phone call, continuously enhance mutual understanding, reduce misperceptions and strengthen cooperation, so as to promote the healthy, steady, and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

China, US confirm framework of implementing Geneva trade talks consensus: commerce ministry

China, US confirm framework of implementing Geneva trade talks consensus: commerce ministry

China, US confirm framework of implementing Geneva trade talks consensus: commerce ministry

China, US confirm framework of implementing Geneva trade talks consensus: commerce ministry

Merchants in Hangzhou, the capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province, have innovatively added new elements to scented sachets, which are traditionally worn during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival.

As the festival approaches, shops on the famous Hefang Street, a lively ancient thoroughfare that has been the heart of Hangzhou for centuries, are filled with a dazzling array of cultural products, including sachets. There are traditional zongzi (sticky rice dumpling)-shaped designs, as well as plush toys and traditional Chinese-style pendants that appeal to younger generations.

"For me, a pleasant fragrance is all that matters. Some might have a hint of lavender, which I would prefer," said Wang Yunhan, a local citizen.

Fang Huichuntang, a time-honored traditional Chinese medicine brand, has launched plush-style scented sachets that combine cartoon images with Chinese medicinal herbs and innovative flavors. In the past month, this series accounted for 47 percent of total sachet sales at the street stores.

"We collected hundreds of medicinal herbs, selected those with pleasant aromas, and had the (traditional Chinese medicine) director help us make several formulas based on their efficacy. The resulting powdered formulas will have a more refreshing and pleasant aroma, appealing to consumers," said Gou Lulu, cultural and creative product director of Fang Huichuntang.

Many sachets incorporating traditional cultural elements are also selling well, among them one with Dunhuang-mural-inspired colors is particularly eye-catching.

"We found this color very eye-catching, and at the same time, we looked for photos of the costumes of the flying apsaras in Dunhuang on social media platforms to see if our color design could create a similar effect," said Jiang Lingxia, deputy general manager of Hangzhou Hu Qing Yu Tang, another traditional Chinese medicine brand that launched the new sachet.

In addition to purchasing ready-made products, primary and secondary schools in the city have recently organized hands-on activities, leading students to experience the traditional festival culture through the process of making sachets by hand.

Traditional scented sachets refreshed with creative elements for Dragon Boat Festival