Heads of US, Chinese Delegations in Trade Talks Hold Telephone Conversation - Chinese Ministry

BEIJING (Sputnik) - Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, who is heading the country's delegation in trade talks with the United States, has held a telephone conversation with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said.

"The sides exchanged views on trade and economic issues in accordance with telephone instructions from the leaders of the two countries", the statement said.

The conversation took place on 24 June at the initiative of the US side. It is noted that the sides agreed to maintain contact.

The United States and China have been trying to overcome disagreements that emerged in the wake of Trump’s decision last June to impose 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods in a bid to fix the trade deficit. Since then, the sides have exchanged several rounds of duties.

Washington escalated the dispute in May when it included another $200 billion worth of Chinese goods to the 25 percent tariff category. Beijing pledged to retaliate by hiking tariffs on $60 billion worth of US imports starting in June.