China's Xi issues a positive message in meeting with U.S. business leaders as relations improve
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China's nationalist leader Xi Jinping has called for closer trade ties with the U.S. during a meeting with top American business leaders in Beijing. Xi emphasized the mutually beneficial economic ties between the two countries, despite heavy U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports and accusations of undue Communist Party influence, unfair trade barriers, and theft of intellectual property. China's economy has struggled to recover from self-imposed COVID-19 restrictions, but Xi stated that China was contributing to world economic growth. The meeting included Stephen A. Schwarzman, the head of investment firm Blackstone. Trade and tariffs have been a focus in the run-up to the U.S. presidential election, and the Biden administration has shown little sign of moderating punitive measures against Chinese imports. China's economy has been affected by a crisis in its property market, an aging population, and high youth unemployment. However, foreign firms, including Apple, rely on China-based manufacturers and its consumer market. China's tone towards the U.S. has softened in recent months, and officials from both countries have visited each other. However, China maintains a hard line on issues it considers its 'core interests,' including its claims in the South China Sea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang. Xi aims to maintain strict party control while attracting foreign investment to support the economy.

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https://apnews.com/article/china-us-trade-economy-xi-jinping-62568f1f1ba1f5d722e0e7795bb0bac6