Liu He Will Travel to the US to Soothe Trade Tensions

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Leading economics advisor and rising political star Liu He will make an official visit to the United States from 27 February to 3 March, as part of efforts by both sides to ease escalating trade tensions.

At a routine press conference held by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 26 February, ministry spokesperson Lu Kang (陆慷) confirmed US media reports that Liu He (刘鹤) is to make an official visit to America at the end of the month.

“In response to an invitation from the US government, politburo member and chair of the Central Finance Office Liu He will travel to the United States for an official visit from 27 February to 3 March,” said Lu according to a report from Xinhua.

“At such time, both parties will exchange opinions on Sino-US relations and economic and trade cooperation between both nations.”

The scheduling of the official visit signals the rising importance of Liu He amongst China’s political elite.

Liu He drew international attention at the World Economic Forum in January this year at Davos, where he served as China’s chief representative and reiterated Beijing’s commitment to liberalisation and globalisation.

Sources speaking to Reuters recently said that Liu He is currently one of the top contenders for the position of central bank governor once Zhou Xiaochuan retires, while other reports indicate that he will also be appointed to the position of vice-premier in March during China’s two congressional meetings.