US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo voiced her concerns to Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Thursday regarding Beijing's recent restrictions on American companies. The officials held a meeting in Washington, where they engaged in candid and substantive discussions on various issues related to the US-China commercial relationship. The talks covered the trade and investment environment in both countries, as well as areas of potential cooperation, according to a statement from the US Department of Commerce.
Secretary Raimondo specifically raised concerns about the recent actions taken by the People's Republic of China (PRC) against US companies operating within its borders. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce acknowledged the meeting and described it as a frank, professional, and constructive exchange. Minister Wang expressed key concerns about US economic and trade policies towards China, with a particular focus on semiconductor policies.
The tensions between the US and China escalated when China imposed restrictions on the American semiconductor giant Micron, citing major network security risks that could impact national security. The United States responded to these actions by expressing serious concerns through a spokesperson from the State Department. The semiconductor sector has long been a contentious issue between the two countries, with the US also imposing restrictions on the sale of advanced chips to China.
The strained relationship between Washington and Beijing extends beyond trade issues and encompasses diplomacy, military competition, technology, and other economic fronts. Disagreements over matters such as Taiwan and Russia further contribute to the heightened tensions. Despite these challenges, the two sides have recently resumed high-level contact in an effort to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage the relationship.
Minister Wang's visit to Washington is a rare occurrence, as senior Chinese officials seldom make trips to the United States. The meeting between the two officials is part of ongoing efforts to address concerns and foster constructive dialogue, as emphasized by the US Department of Commerce.
