US-China talks: Mike Pompeo’s seven-hour meeting with Yang Jiechi ‘helps atmosphere’ – but statements reveal divisions

US-China talks: Mike Pompeo’s seven-hour meeting with Yang Jiechi ‘helps atmosphere’ – but statements reveal divisions

As Pompeo and Yang were meeting, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told a Congress committee that China had bought about US$10 billion worth of American products since January’s interim deal. He also said Chinese officials had reiterated their purchase commitment.

Related:

Hawaii talks between top US and China diplomats offer some hope at last

But relations are highly interconnected, especially with investment and manufacturing. The nations need one another for growth and development and the world relies on their cooperation to resolve critical issues.

The talks in Hawaii are a positive sign they both recognise the dangers of decoupling and engaging makes more sense.