American companies welcome in China, vice president tells former US treasury secretary

By Anadolu staff

US businesses are welcome in China, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng told visiting American banker and former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson in Beijing on Tuesday, state media reported.

Han said China and the US should enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, and push forward the world's economic recovery together.

"It is hoped that the US side could work with China to bring the bilateral ties back to the track of sound and steady growth," Han said.

Paulson, founder of the US-China policy think tank the Paulson Institute, said Beijing and Washington should maintain communication and dialogue and strengthen people-to-people exchanges and economic and trade cooperation.

He expressed his willingness to continue playing a positive role in promoting the development of bilateral ties.

Paulson and his delegation also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who hoped the US will return to a "rational and pragmatic track in its China policy."

Geopolitics is the single biggest issue weighing down business sentiment in US-China relations in the long term, according to a new report by the US-China Business Council.

This year at least three top US officials – Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken –​​​​​​​ have visited China as the world's two largest economies strive to improve relations and restore communications.​​​​​​​

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid