China ready to improve relations with US, top official says

A top Chinese official told Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Tuesday he was prepared to “make new positive efforts” to improve relations with the United States.

Raimondo’s visit to China comes amid the Biden administration’s efforts to improve communications between the superpowers, but neither side has expressed that it is ready to compromise on issues of technology, security and other disputes.

Vice Premier He Lifeng referred to “in-depth exchanges” in July with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during this week’s meeting with Raimondo.

“I’m ready to work based on that with you, to make new positive efforts to deepen our consensus and extend our cooperation,” he said in the meeting at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing.

Tensions have been rising between China and the U.S. on various fronts, from technology and espionage to economic competition and military might.

There have recently been close military confrontations in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, along with a surveillance balloon incident last February and recent reporting that China has been spying on the U.S. from Cuba for years.

Raimondo criticized China’s treatment of U.S. technology companies during her visit but also called for cooperation in areas like climate change and artificial intelligence.

She said the two countries would establish an “information exchange” about U.S. controls on technology exports but did not suggest those curbs would be rolled back.

“I’m looking forward to finding ways that we can more effectively engage on commercial issues that impact our relationship,” Raimondo told He.

Raimondo later met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who said he hopes for Washington to take “concrete actions” in reference to China’s desire for policy changes on Taiwan and access to technology.

“We do hope the U.S. side will work in the same direction as China, show sincerity and take concrete actions to maintain and further develop bilateral relations,” Li told Raimondo.

The Associated Press contributed.