Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez in Beijing, Nov. 14, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Tuesday that the development of China-U.S. relations has always been the consensus of the Democrats and Republicans of the United States, calling for negotiations in solving trade frictions between the two countries.

"Facts prove that consultation and dialogue are the right way to settle bilateral economic and trade frictions. Trade protectionism will only harm the common interests of both sides," Wen told visiting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

The visit by Gutierrez, who heads a delegation involving 25 entrepreneurs, comes amid growing U.S. concern about trade deficit with China. China's trade surplus with the United States grew to 102.2 billion U.S. dollars in the first nine months this year. 
While meeting with Gutierrez and his business delegation, Premier Wen chose to hold the discussions in a more lively atmosphere. "We can make the talks more lively, and more relaxed...... each of you can raise one question after the opening remarks."

China has always pursued dialogue and consultations for the benefits of fast-growing China-U.S. trade cooperation.

"This year, China and the United States have carried out consultations and dialogue in multiple economic and trade areas, properly dealt with some problems and secured the stable development of bilateral trade relations," Wen said.

Wen hoped the two countries could further expand and deepen cooperation in economic and trade field in the spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation as well as reciprocity and mutual-benefit.

"China will work with the United States to push forward bilateral relations in a long-term, healthy and stable manner," Wen added.

RELATIVELY BALANCED TRADE

In talks with Gutierrez on Monday, Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai described China-U.S. trade as "relatively balanced" in general.

Bo said that U.S. exports to China were increasing rapidly, especially agricultural products, and China was expected to become the third largest export market of the United States in 2007.

In some areas, such as the service and cultural industries, the United States has obvious advantages over China and a trade surplus. The branches or joint ventures of U.S. companies in China also contributed to the deficit and benefited from it, Bo said. 

In response to Bo, Gutierrez said the deficit remained a very important issue between the two countries, but reducing it by reducing imports from China was not the "correct strategy". Instead, the U.S. should increase exports to China.

Gutierrez hoped the two countries could actively take measures to solve the problem.

IPR STILL A PROBLEM

Besides the task to gain greater access to Chinese markets for U.S. firms, the intellectual property rights (IPR) issue is also on the agenda during Gutierrez's fourth China visit.

At the fifth IPR Roundtable in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai reiterated China's firm stance against piracy.

"The Chinese government will show no mercy in dealing with IPR infringements," Bo said.

Gutierrez described IPR protection as a "huge problem" in China, but he applauded several achievements China had made in this regard. China is "showing an increasing ability" to deal with this very complex matter, he said.

Editor: Yan