China wants to cuts its trade surplus with the United States and urged Washington to ease curbs on exports of high-tech products to it, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told visiting U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney today.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ms Zhang Qiyue said: "Premier Wen Jiabao mentioned at today's meeting we do not seek a trade surplus with the US."
"We hope to realise a trade balance with the US. A trade balance I believe is conducive to both sides," Ms Zhang said.
China's trade surplus with the US rose to $58.61 billion last year, according to Chinese customs figures. But the US says its trade deficit with China is much larger - hitting $125 billion last year - raising concerns about growing U.S. job losses to the Asian giant.
To reduce the gap, the US should ease curbs on new and high-tech goods to China, she said. The US side should not set up obstacles in this field," she said.