WASHINGTON (AP) — Top U.S. and Chinese officials are wrapping up annual strategic and economic talks that have yielded greater cooperation on reducing greenhouse gases but again exposed Washington’s frustration over cyber theft it says is emanating from the emerging Asian power.
Secretary of State John Kerry, who came to Washington for the start of the twoday talks Wednesday, was returning to his wife’s hospital bedside in Boston as she recovers from a seizure-like episode. His deputy, William Burns, will take his place at today’s discussions.
The gathering is taking place a month after the U.S. and Chinese presidents’ summit in California, which tried to set a positive tone in relations between the two world powers. Officials are looking at ways to build cooperation, even as they hash out deepseated differences.
They are discussing barriers to trade and investment, the nuclear program of Chinese ally North Korea and other matters, including Iran and Syria’s civil war.
Today’s agenda starts with a round table of Chinese and U.S. officials and business leaders at the Treasury Department. Washington wants Beijing to expedite economic reforms and reduce state involvement in the economy; China has its own concerns about the screening of its companies that want to invest in the U.S.
The most tangible outcome of Wednesday’s talks was an announcement of new initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The two sides agreed to cooperate on cutting emissions from vehicles and coal combustion, and to promote more efficient use of energy in buildings, transport and industry. Implementation plans will be ready by October, the State Department said.
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