Trade disputes 'would not alter' investment deal

Negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty between China and the United States will not be obstructed or delayed by trade disputes because both nations are under pressure to stimulate their economies, officials and experts said.

Their comments came after China's commerce and trade watchdog urged the US to conduct trade reviews on China and other trade-surplus countries in accordance with international rules. The watchdog's statement, on April 1, came after US President Donald Trump signed executive orders last week to cut the trade deficit.

The Ministry of Commerce said the US trade deficit with China, and reasons behind the deficit and its effects, are well understood by both countries. The statement highlighted that bilateral economic relations are highly complementary and have mutual benefits.