US, China trade envoys talk for first time under Biden; no sign of negotiations

US and Chinese trade envoys talked by phone Thursday for the first time since President Joe Biden took office, but the two sides gave no sign when negotiations on ending their tariff war might restart. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai discussed her ongoing review of the trade relationship, her office said in a statement. The Chinese Commerce Ministry said Vice Premier Liu. He raised issues of common concern but gave no details.

Biden has yet to say what approach he will take to the conflict launched by former President Donald Trump, who raised tariffs on Chinese imports over complaints about Beijing's industrial policy and trade surplus. China retaliated by suspending purchases of US soybeans and raising tariffs on other goods.

Negotiators haven't met in person since before the coronavirus pandemic began in early 2020.