US, China Focus on Trade Concerns in Second Day of Talks | WPN World People News

Senior United States and Chinese officials continued talks Thursday in Beijing, with several sensitive economic and trade issues expected to be on the agenda.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told a group of Chinese and American business leaders attending the talks that it is crucial both countries manage their differences.

"China and the United States represent the greatest economic alliance, trading partnership in the history of humankind. And it is only going to grow," said Kerry.

At the breakfast meeting, the American and Chinese entrepreneurs were expected to discuss their grievances and difficulties in doing business with one another.

U.S. companies have complained about a variety of issues, including restricted access to Chinese markets, intellectual property theft, and the low value of China's currency, which gives Chinese exporters an advantage.

Stressing that business is the "backbone" of the U.S.-China economic relationship, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said Beijing will work to address the concerns.

"I believe all departments from our two countries' governments will pay high attention to the proposals and suggestions raised by all entrepreneurs and will carefully look into them, try to include them into the agenda of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, to constantly eliminate the obstacles when carrying out cooperation between enterprises from two countries, to constantly provide a driving force and create a better development atmosphere," said Yang.

China rejects U.S. charges that it is stealing intellectual property from U.S. companies, instead accusing the U.S. of conducting its own espionage against Beijing.

During the annual talks, Beijing officials have insisted they are trying to find the right balance on advancing economic reforms, including exchange rate liberalization and market access.

The two days of talks are also focusing on other disputes, such as China's maritime disputes with its neighbors and U.S. concerns over China's human rights record.

At the first day of the dialogue Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized cooperating, saying confrontation between the U.S. and China would "definitely be a disaster."

Kerry said the United States and China have the ability to find common ground. He said Washington is not trying to contain China, but hopes it becomes "peaceful, stable and prosperous."

Meanwhile, a writer who advocates human rights in Tibet says authorities have placed her and her husband under house arrest in Beijing for Kerry's visit.

Tsering Woeser was kept from attending a dinner to which she was invited by the U.S. embassy.

Woeser was given an International Women of Courage Award by the State Department last year. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki says officials are concerned by her reported house arrest and are looking into the matter.

Source: Voice of America