Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has emphasized resolving trade disputes through equal dialogue and mutual cooperation during high-level economic talks with U.S. officials in London this week. As China's lead representative for bilateral economic affairs, He stressed that both nations must 'honor their words with actions' to preserve progress in trade relations.
The two-day meeting between He and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer marked the first session of a newly established consultation mechanism. Discussions focused on implementing agreements from the June 5 phone call between Chinese and U.S. leaders, with both sides reporting 'principled agreement' on maintaining dialogue frameworks established in Geneva.
'China-U.S. economic relations are mutually beneficial. Cooperation benefits both, confrontation harms both,' He stated, reiterating Beijing's opposition to trade wars. While acknowledging progress, he emphasized China's willingness to consult while maintaining core principles: 'We do not seek conflict but will not be intimidated.'
The talks yielded new understandings on addressing bilateral concerns, with both delegations agreeing to strengthen communication through the consultation mechanism. He highlighted the need to 'reduce misunderstanding and inject stability' into global markets, particularly as economic uncertainties persist worldwide.
U.S. representatives described the meeting as productive, pledging to 'walk in the same direction' with China per their leaders' agreement. The outcomes signal cautious optimism for stabilizing one of the world's most consequential economic relationships.
