U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen held a significant meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, emphasizing mutual cooperation despite existing differences between the two nations. Yellen's visit was prompted by concerns over trade practices that have placed American companies and workers at a perceived unfair competitive disadvantage.
The meeting took place in the Fujian room of the Great Hall of the People building, located just west of Tiananmen Square. Yellen expressed her belief that efforts over the past year have contributed to placing the bilateral relationship on a more stable foundation. She highlighted the importance of acknowledging differences and engaging in open and direct communication to facilitate progress.
Li acknowledged the high level of interest from the U.S. media in Yellen's visit, indicating the expectations for the growth and enhancement of the U.S.-China relationship. The discussions between the two countries included plans for intensive exchanges aimed at achieving more balanced economic growth, as well as initiating collaborations on combating money laundering.
Yellen stressed the responsibility of the world's two largest economies to manage their complex relationship effectively and to demonstrate leadership in addressing global challenges. The meeting concluded with plans for Yellen to engage with Beijing's mayor and interact with students and faculty at Peking University, further underscoring the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding between the United States and China.
