Yellen hints at meeting with Chinese counterpart

During the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Texas, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen indicated a potential meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng. She expressed openness to visiting China again and welcomed a visit from He Lifeng to the United States. Yellen acknowledged existing economic disagreements between the U.S. and China but emphasized the necessity for collaboration on critical global issues such as climate change and debt relief for developing nations. Yellen's comments follow a significant diplomatic visit by U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to China, marking the first such visit in nearly a decade. Sullivan's trip included discussions with high-ranking Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. During these meetings, Sullivan conveyed President Joe Biden's eagerness to engage in dialogue with Xi in the near future. The backdrop of these discussions is the ongoing tensions between the two nations, which have been exacerbated by various economic and geopolitical issues. However, Yellen's remarks suggest a willingness to find common ground and work together on pressing global challenges, despite the existing disagreements. The potential for future meetings between U.S. and Chinese officials indicates a desire to stabilize relations and foster cooperation. As both countries navigate their complex relationship, the focus on collaboration in areas of mutual interest could pave the way for improved diplomatic ties and address global challenges effectively.