China has conveyed its willingness to bolster economic and trade cooperation with the United States, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Both officials convened on 26 March during a World Trade Organization (WTO) summit held in Cameroon to discuss the current trajectory of bilateral commercial relations.
During the discussions, Minister Wang emphasized that economic and trade ties should serve as the primary engine for broader China-US relations. He stated that both nations must effectively manage the balance between competition and cooperation to ensure mutual stability. The Ministry’s statement highlighted a call for both sides to strengthen beneficial partnerships while actively avoiding “vicious competition” in the global marketplace.
The Chinese delegation urged for a forward-looking approach to promote healthy and sustainable economic growth between the two global powers. Minister Wang noted that a stable trade environment is essential for the prosperity of both economies. However, despite the cooperative tone, the meeting also addressed significant points of contention that continue to strain the relationship between Beijing and Washington.
Specifically, Minister Wang expressed “serious concern” regarding the United States’ ongoing Section 301 investigations. These probes target several global economies, including China, and have been a long-standing source of diplomatic friction. The Chinese government views these investigations as a challenge to fair trade practices and has consistently called for their re-evaluation to prevent further economic disruption.
The US Trade Representative’s office previously disclosed in March that it had initiated a second series of Section 301 unfair trade practice inquiries. These probes involve 60 different economies and are focused on what Washington describes as failures to address issues related to forced labour. As both nations navigate these complex regulatory challenges, the meeting in Cameroon represents a continuing effort to maintain open channels of communication.
