China, U.S. achieve positive outcomes in economic, trade consultations: ministry

China's Ministry of Commerce said Saturday that China and the United States have achieved positive outcomes in economic and trade consultations.

The Chinese and U.S. heads of state had in-depth discussions on economic and trade issues in Beijing on Thursday, further charting the course and providing strategic guidance for the development of bilateral trade relations, said a spokesperson of the ministry.

President Xi Jinping said during his talks with U.S. President Donald Trump that the Chinese and U.S. economic and trade teams produced generally balanced and positive outcome on Wednesday, which is good news for the people of the two countries and the world. Xi called on the two sides to jointly sustain the good momentum that they have worked hard to create.

The spokesperson said the Wednesday's meeting, which took place in South Korea, saw the two sides engaging in candid, in-depth, and constructive exchanges and consultations on resolving economic and trade issues of mutual concern and further expanding practical cooperation.

Subsequently, the two sides had intensive consultations on the specific content of the outcomes, reaching positive consensus, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the preliminary results achieved by the two sides in the economic and trade field mainly include the following aspects:

First, the two sides will continue to implement the results of previous consultations and have reached positive common ground on related tariff arrangements.

Second, both sides agree to establish a Trade Council and an Investment Council to discuss their respective concerns in these areas. Tariff reductions on specific products will be discussed through the Trade Council, with an agreement in principle on reciprocal tariff reductions on products of equivalent scale that are of mutual concern.

Third, both sides will resolve or make substantial progress on resolving some non-tariff barriers and market access issues for some agricultural products. The United States will work to resolve China's long-term concerns regarding automatic detention of dairy and aquatic products, export of bonsai plants and the recognition of Shandong's avian influenza-free zone. China will also work to resolve the U.S. concerns related to beef facility registration and the export of poultry from certain U.S. states to China.

Fourth, the two sides agree to promote expanded two-way trade in areas including agricultural products, through reciprocal tariff reductions on a certain range of products.

Fifth, the two sides have reached relevant arrangements regarding Chinese purchases of aircraft from the U.S., as well as the U.S. assurances on aircraft engine and spare parts supplies to China.

The consultation teams will follow the direction set by the two heads of state to finalize the outcomes as soon as possible and work together to implement them, according to the spokesperson.

China, U.S. achieve positive outcomes in economic, trade consultations: ministry

The first China New Cultural Creative Market and Trendy Toy Carnival opened in Beijing on Friday, presenting cultural and creative products from across the country for visitors.

Running from May 15 to 24, the event features exhibitors from 31 provincial-level regions across China. Blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary trends, the carnival provides a one-stop experience encompassing museum-inspired creative products, trendy collectibles, intangible cultural heritage demonstrations and digital technology innovations.

The event also highlights intangible cultural heritage cuisine from UNESCO-designated "Cities of Gastronomy" including Yangzhou, Chengdu and Shunde. More than 100 parades and performances are scheduled throughout the carnival day and night, appealing to visitors of all ages.

"This zone is jointly sponsored by us Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, together with several Beijing Souvenir shops and museums. We've built an immersive, scenario-based and theme market that's convenient for our tourists to visit and shop. The Beijing Souvenir zone features more than 200 kinds of creative products, including the very popular newly launched Beijing Opera facial masks and perfume," said Qiu Qing, deputy director of the Resource Development Division at the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

The carnival has also become a popular destination for international tourists, who view it as an accessible and engaging way to experience authentic Chinese culture firsthand.

Melissa, a tourist from Russia, shared her passion for Chinese culture and how the event draws her more deeply with the country's heritage.

"I've always been very interested in Chinese culture. After coming to China, I feel I must go on with my exploration. Chinese culture is resourceful and profound. Coming to a place like this, you can understand this more deeply. Whether it's the National Museum of China or other institutions, they all have their own IPs with elements related to Chinese culture. When I go back to Russia, I usually bring some refrigerator magnets or souvenirs, some representative souvenirs like crown ones, very much contain Chinese culture in them," she said.

1st national new cultural carnival opens in Beijing