Raimondo is conducting a work agenda in China until August 30th, focused on easing the deteriorated relations between the two main economies of the world, which are at a point of renewed tensions after Washington’s restrictions on 27 Chinese companies.

The Minister arrived in Beijing on Sunday and was received by Li Feng, director of the America and Oceania department for the Ministry of Commerce of China.

During Raimondo’s visit, China “will state its position on economic and trade issues of concern to the US side, and looks forward to in-depth discussions on resolving economic and trade differences and promoting practical cooperation,” according to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, who emphasized at a press conference that bilateral trade and investment face “some difficulties and challenges” related to a “series of unilateral and protectionist measures taken on the US side.”

Discussions between the two countries will focus on semiconductors, chip production and exports.

Beijing recently denounced the politicization of business on the part of the United States by using national security concerns to prevent investment in China.

The protest followed Washington’s executive decision to further control offshore investment, particularly from US entities in the semiconductor and microelectronics, quantum information technology and artificial intelligence sectors in China.

Relations between Beijing and Washington are at their historical worst moment caused by the US economic war waged against China and its interference in internal affairs such as the Taiwan issue.

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