Asia-Pacific economies look forward to progress in trade talks between the US and China

Progress in trade negotiations between the United States and China will be beneficial not only to both countries but also to Asia-Pacific nations which are bound close in global supply chains, according to speakers at an international forum in Singapore.

And major powers are looked upon for increased understanding and positive competition and win-win cooperation in providing global public services instead of zero-sum rivalry, Zhang Xiaoqiang, executive vice-chairman and CEO of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said at a news briefing.

Cautious optimisms are expressed over upcoming progress in bilateral trade talks for the first phase, he said, and basic principles for next phases could be set though it is not a matter of China unilaterally.

What Asian economies other than China want least are conflicts between major powers such as the US and China, he said after heated discussions in nearly two days. Regional blocs and varied nations are willing to provide channels for mutual dialogue and exchanges for all, especially for powers in disputes.

Dozens of experts from both countries and Singapore, India, Thailand, Indonesia and several other nations and regions exchanged views on prospects of China-US relations at the conference jointly held by CCIEE, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and the Brookings Institute on Oct 30-31.