US, CHINA BEGIN TALKS TO END TRADE BATTLE

BEIJING: Chinese and US officials began talks on Monday aimed at ending the tariffs battle between the world’s two biggest economies, as Beijing complained over the sighting of a US warship in what it said were Chinese waters.

It was unclear if the ruckus over the warship might disrupt the working level talks being held at the Chinese commerce ministry. Both sides have expressed optimism over the potential for progress in settling their tariff fight over Beijing’s technology ambitions. Yet neither has indicated its stance has changed since a December 1 agreement by Donald Trump and Xi Jinping to postpone further increases.

Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels were dispatched to identify the US vessel and warn it to leave the area near disputed islands in the South China Sea. “We have made stern complaints with the US,” Lu said.

He said the warship, which he said was the destroyer the USS Mccampbell, had violated Chinese and international law, infringed on Chinese sovereignty and undermined peace and stability. “As for whether this move has any impact to the ongoing China-us trade consultations... to properly resolve existing issues of all kinds between China and the US is good for the two countries and the world,” Lu said, adding, “The two sides both have responsibility to create necessary atmosphere to this end.”