China 'regrets' unexpected turn of events in relations with the US

China's vice premier said he regretted the unexpected events that damaged relations with the United States.

During a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on July 8, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng affirmed that China "will seriously implement the consensus reached between her and Premier Li Qiang, turning this into concrete actions."

Mr. Ha also said he regretted "some unexpected and unintended incidents, such as the incident involving the balloon, which caused problems in implementing the consensus reached by the two countries' leaders."

Secretary Yellen suggested the United States and China communicate directly about concerns related to specific activities, as well as urged increased cooperation between the world's two largest economies despite some tensions in the relationship.

According to Ms. Yellen, the bilateral trade volume between the US and China "reaching a record" in 2022 is proof of how closely the two countries are connected. "There are many opportunities for our companies to engage in trade and investment," Ms. Yellen said.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng (right) and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen before their meeting in Beijing on July 8. Photo: Reuters — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng (right) and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen before their meeting in Beijing on July 8. Photo: *Reuters*

In their meeting in November 2022, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen as making an effort to improve relations between the two countries after a period of tension. However, the US in February shot down a Chinese balloon because it was considered a spy device, causing high-level dialogue between the two countries to freeze.

Secretary Yellen's four-day visit to China comes as the US seeks to ease tensions in areas of cooperation between the two countries. During the visit, Ms. Yellen repeatedly mentioned areas where the two countries need to cooperate.

Secretary Yellen also defended US moves to "reduce risks" to its economy from China, as well as address what the US sees as "unfair treatment" of its businesses.

During the talks on July 7, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that a rainbow appeared after Ms. Yellen's plane arrived in Beijing. "I think this can be applied to the US-China relationship. After the stormy period, we can definitely see a rainbow," Mr. Li said.

Chinese officials also expressed a positive view of Ms. Yellen's visit. The Chinese Ministry of Finance said the visit "will help strengthen communication and exchanges between the two countries," saying that the US-China economic and trade relationship is mutually beneficial.

Tensions in US-China relations have escalated over many issues such as Taiwan, trade and other disagreements. However, President Biden on June 19 assessed that US-China relations are "on the right track", showing that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China has brought certain results.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP )

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