Published

September 10, 2019

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BEIJING, CHINA — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE) today kicked-off a high-level dialogue to discuss leading economic and commercial policy issues in U.S.-China relations, including trade, two-way investment, energy, healthcare, and innovation policy.

The discussions are led by U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs Myron Brilliant and CCIEE Chairman and Former Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan, and include top business leaders and senior government officials from both countries.

Today’s meeting comes at a critical juncture in the U.S.-China relationship, not only for the bilateral relationship and economic growth, but also for the global economy. The ongoing, tit-for-tat tariffs and escalations in other areas between the world’s two largest economies are placing a significant drag on economic growth and business confidence.

“The uncertainty produced by U.S.-China trade tensions is exerting significant downward pressure on both economies,” said Brilliant. “The time is now to strike a deal that addresses the U.S.’s legitimate concerns about market access, forced technology transfer, subsidies, and digital trade, while concurrently removing punitive and retaliatory tariffs.”

For nearly ten years, the Chamber and CCIEE have brought together leaders from the business community in both countries – supported by both governments – to discuss important policy issues in U.S.-China relations. This year’s dialogue in Beijing is more important and timely than ever as ministers from both sides are set to resume trade negotiations next month in Washington, D.C.

“We are pleased that both sides have agreed to return to the negotiating table,” said Brilliant. “As the world's two largest economies, we have shared responsibilities to foster global prosperity and stability. There are no winners in a trade war, only losers. We therefore call upon the leaders in both countries to intensify efforts to conclude a meaningful, comprehensive and enforceable bilateral trade and investment agreement in a timely way.”

Brilliant’s full opening remarks are available here.