China's Vice Premier and top trade negotiator Liu He discussed "core issues of common concern" with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin late on Monday, in the latest effort to make progress on the stalled phase one talks. Details of the phone call, however, remained unclear as the US trade representative failed to expand on the conversation, apart from confirming that it took place.
Over the phone, the two sides "reached consensus on how to resolve" each other's concerns and agreed to stay in contact over remaining issues, a statement from the Chinese Ministry Commerce read.
A number of other Chinese officials also joined the call, including Commerce Minister Zhong Shan and People's Bank of China Governor Yi Gang, according to the statement.
