China’s foreign ministry urged the U.S. to work toward a positive outcome of a planned meeting between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 summit this week.
Officials from both nations are working to follow through on a Nov. 1 phone call between the two leaders during which they agreed to reach a “mutually acceptable proposal,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing on Tuesday. He didn’t provide any further details.
“Their meeting is just around the corner,” Geng said, speaking through a translator. “We hope the U.S. could work with us to implement and follow the spirit of the phone call of the state leaders and ensure positive outcomes of the meeting.”
Geng was responding to a question about Trump saying that he probably would raise tariffs from January on $200 billion of imports, and threatening to impose tariffs on another $267 billion in imports if there was no deal.
The G-20 meeting will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Buenos Aires.
“On the basis of equality, sincerity and good faith we are engaging in consultations to resolve the relevant issues,” Geng said at his briefing. “Meanwhile, we will be resolute in ensuring our legal rights and interests.”
