By SYLVIE CORBET (Associated Press)
PARIS (AP) — U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen mentioned Thursday that it’s “critical” the U.S. and China preserve a relationship to allow them to “work together” on international challenges, coming simply after President Joe Biden’s remarks calling Chinese chief Xi Jinping a “dictator” drew condemnation from Beijing.
Speaking at a information convention in Paris, Yellen mentioned that “with respect to the comments, I think President Biden and I both believe it’s critical to maintain communication … to clear up misperceptions, miscalculations. We need to work together where possible.”
“But we have disagreements, and we are also forthright in recognizing we do have disagreements,” she added.
Yellen has lately advocated for enhancing relations between the U.S. and China, arguing cooperation is required for the sake of sustaining international stability.
Biden’s remarks at a fundraiser Tuesday, when he additionally mentioned China had “real economic difficulties,” opened a brand new rift simply after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a go to to Beijing. The journey sought to interrupt the ice in a relationship that has hit a historic low.
China delivered a proper protest of Biden’s remarks on Thursday, with Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng telling senior White House and State officers that Washington “should take earnest actions to undo the negative impact” of what Biden mentioned or “bear all the consequences,” a Chinese embassy spokesperson mentioned in a press release.
“With the latest irresponsible remarks about China’s political system and its top leader, people cannot help but question the sincerity of the U.S. side” in in search of to stabilize relations, the assertion mentioned. “The Chinese government and people do not accept any political provocation against China’s top leader and will resolutely respond.”
Meanwhile, talking as a two-day gathering will get underway in Paris on enhancing the worldwide monetary response to local weather change and poverty, Yellen mentioned that “I’m certainly pleased to see China participating in this summit.”
Chinese Premier Li Qiang was among the many dozens of heads of state and authorities, world finance officers and activists who converged on the French capital Thursday to debate methods of reforming the worldwide monetary system and handle debt, local weather change and poverty crises, particularly for growing nations.
“I believe it’s important, as President Biden does, that the world’s two largest economies are … working together in addressing global challenges,” Yellen mentioned.
She additionally emphasised that debt restructuring was a U.S. precedence.
As a rising variety of nations wrestle with unsustainable debt aggravated by the fallout from local weather change, Yellen inspired all collectors to enter into negotiations to make the burden sustainable. China is the world’s largest authorities lender.
Citing Zambia, the southern African nation she visited in January, Yellen mentioned she was “encouraged by progress” relating to debt negotiations and hoped “debt treatment can move forward soon.” She didn’t present particulars.
“Other urgent pending cases must also move forward quickly,” she added, mentioning Ghana and Sri Lanka.
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Associated Press reporter Ellen Knickmeyer contributed from Washington.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”