US and China resume trade negotiations at meeting in Beijing

A delegation of US officials, led by Deputy Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish, is in Beijing. The objective is to restart trade negotiations between the United States and China amid tensions on both sides. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He coordinates the talks on the Chinese side. The forecast is for two days of meetings.

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has made references to China about alleged violations of intellectual property rights, cyberattacks and forced technology transfers from foreign companies.

There is information that China's economy shows signs of slowing amid trade friction. The friction also fuels concerns about the global economy, for example. Apple revised its earnings forecast downward, citing weak sales in China.

Washington has said it intends to increase tariffs on Chinese imports if the two countries are unable to reach an agreement on trade issues by March 1.

*With information from NHK, Japan's public television broadcaster