Top US and Chinese commerce officials express support for better trade conditions

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and her Chinese counterpart have expressed support for improving trade conditions as Raimondo begins a visit to Beijing as part of U.S. efforts to improve chilly relations. Raimondo is the latest among U.S. officials who have visited China in the past three months. They have expressed optimism about improving communication but have announced no progress on disputes over technology, security, human rights and other issues that have plunged relations to their lowest level in decades. China's commerce minister told Raimondo on Monday that he is ready to work to “foster a more favorable policy environment for stronger cooperation” between U.S. and Chinese businesses but gave no details of possible initiatives.