Yellen, Liu Avoid Airing Complaints as US-China Tone Warms

  • Pair held extended side-bar during break at Zurich meeting
  • Treasury official describes how high-level meeting unfolded
Liu He with Janet Yellen on Jan. 18.Photographer: Sebastien Bozon/AFP/Getty Images
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US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and China’s Vice Premier Liu He privately discussed points of disagreement during a break from official proceedings in their first face-to-face meeting, according to a senior Treasury official, a sign that the world’s top economies are seeking to downplay tensions and spotlight a constructive tone in their discussions.

Wednesday’s meeting, which was only announced two days earlier, was billed by both sides as a step toward improving dialogue — and an opportunity to exchange frank views over areas of disagreement.