By Stephen Asante, GNA’s Special Correspondent, Beijing, China 

Beijing, June 6, GNA – Chinese President Xi Jinping says it is important to set the right course in the country’s trade talks and negotiations with the United States (US). 

He said both sides should make good on the agreement reached in Geneva, and seek win-win results in the spirit of equality and respect for each other’s concerns. 

A statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry in respect of Thursday’s phone talks between President Xi and US President Donald Trump said President Trump initiated the call between the leaders of the world’s two biggest economies. 

“President Xi pointed out that recalibrating the direction of the giant ship of China-US relations requires us to take the helm and set the right course. 

“It is particularly important to steer clear of the various disturbances and disruptions,” the statement emphasised, pledging China’s commitment honouring and delivering what had been promised. 

The Chinese Government indicated that it had been seriously and earnestly executing the agreement reached, therefore, the US side should acknowledge the progress already made, and remove the negative measures taken against the Asian economic giant. 

“The two sides should enhance communication in such fields as foreign affairs, economy and trade, military, and law enforcement to build consensus, clear up misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation,” the statement noted. 

Trade negotiations between China and the US stalled shortly after a May 12 agreement between the two to reduce their tariff rates while talks played out. 

The US accuses China of not exporting critical minerals, and the Chinese Government objects to America restricting its sale of advanced chips and access to student visas for college and graduate students. 

The Trump Administration has lowered its 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods to 30 per cent for 90 days to allow for talks, while China also reduced its taxes on US goods from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the talks between the two leaders marked an important step forward in resolving the relevant issues through dialogue and consultation. 

“It proved that dialogue and cooperation is the only right choice,” the statement said. 

The two sides need to make good use of the economic and trade consultation mechanism already in place, it said, and pointed that China was sincere about that, and at the same time had its principles. 

President Xi emphasised that the US must handle the Taiwan question with prudence. 

That was imperative so that the fringe separatists bent on “Taiwan independence” would not be able to drag China and the US into the dangerous terrain of confrontation and even conflict, the Government cautioned.  

“President Trump said he had great respect for President Xi, and the US-China relations was very important. 

“The US wants the Chinese economy to do very well. The US and China working together can get a lot of great things done. The US will honour the One-China policy,” the statement quoted the US President as saying. 

It said President Xi welcomed President Trump to visit China again, for which the US President expressed heartfelt appreciation. 

“The two presidents agreed that their teams should continue implementing the Geneva Agreement and hold another round of meeting as soon as possible,” it added. 

GNA 

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe