During trade discussions on September 8, 2024, senior Chinese official Wang Shouwen emphasized that China’s substantial population should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to the United States. Wang, the vice-minister of commerce, shared this perspective with Marisa Lago, the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, in Tianjin.

This meeting marks the second discussion between the two officials this year amid ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has recently called for the U.S. to lift all tariffs on Chinese goods, ahead of potential increases in U.S. levies on Chinese products, including electric vehicles.

The Ministry described the talks as “professional, rational, and pragmatic,” focusing on policy and business issues. China expressed opposition to U.S. tariffs and trade restrictions, arguing that such measures are unfairly justified by claims of overcapacity.

The U.S. contends that Chinese government support in certain sectors has led to overcapacity and the dumping of cheap products in international markets.