MNI BRIEF: China, US Begin Normal Trade Communications: MOFCOM

China and the U.S. have begun normal communications on economics and trade and will work together to iron out specific problems in a pragmatic manner, Gao Feng, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

Vice Premier Liu He's separate video calls with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen both lasted about 50 minutes and the calls exchanging views on economic and trade relations, the macroeconomic situation and domestic policies were considered "professional, frank and constructive", according to Gao.

As a next step, both sides agreed to work together to "pragmatically solve some specific problems for producers and consumers", said Gao, adding that the two sides recognized the importance of China-U.S. economic and trade relations which have many specific areas for more cooperation.