U.S. and Chinese Commerce Ministers Set for Crucial Talks on Trade Relations

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and his U.S. counterpart will discuss trade and economic ties in an upcoming call. The focus will be on tariffs, investment restrictions, and Russia-related sanctions affecting electric vehicles and other goods. The talks come amid heightened tensions and potential future tariffs.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and his U.S. counterpart are expected to hold a critical call soon to discuss trade and economic relations, according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

The dialogue will cover key issues, including restrictions on electric vehicles (EVs), additional tariffs, and sanctions. Last month, Chinese officials voiced strong concerns about U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, notably EVs and solar panels.

The Biden administration justifies these tariffs as necessary to protect strategic domestic industries, while Beijing sees them as attempts to curb its economic growth. With the specter of former President Donald Trump possibly returning to power, Beijing remains open to discussions. The European Union also weighs in, considering new tariffs on China-made EVs.

(With inputs from agencies.)