Delegates from the US and China on Monday began the crucial face-to-face negotiations here to ease a bitter trade war between the world's two largest economies amid growing concerns about China's slowing economy and its impact on American businesses.
The US and China have been locked in an escalating trade spat since early 2018, raising import tariffs on each other's goods.
Last year, US President Donald Trump imposed tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. The move prompted China to increase tariffs on USD 110 billion of US goods.
Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to halt any further tariff increases for 90 days beginning January 1.
Deputy US trade representative Jeffrey Gerrish is leading the US delegation at the two-day talks with Chinese vice-ministerial counterparts.
China is facing the daunting task of presenting a credible plan to meet Trump's demands to cut down the USD 375 billion trade deficit.
Ahead of the talks, a Chinese government adviser on trade said, "The vice-ministerial talks won't solve all the problems but both sides are expected to take the chance to check their respective demands and offers and to check any chance to reach a trade deal."
"I think that gives them a great incentive to negotiate."