Li urges China, US to further open markets

China and the US should further open markets to one another and create a level playing field for businesses from both sides, Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday.

Li made the remarks when meeting US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People Wednesday afternoon. Trump is on his first state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday.

The past several decades have proved that the cooperation between China and the US has been balanced and complementary, and that China never seeks trade surpluses with any country including the US, Li stressed.

"We are happy to see that the US economy is showing good momentum recently, and so is the Chinese economy," Li said. "Such trends in the world's largest developed country and developing country will benefit not only our two countries but also the rest of the world."

Li said China welcomes businesses from the US to expand trade services in China and increase exports of high-tech products to China.

He said China is ready to make joint efforts to send positive signals on enhancing regional cooperation as well as stability during the upcoming series of leadership meetings on East Asian cooperation, which he will attend in Manila, Philippines starting this Sunday.

Trump spoke highly of the outcome of his visit to China this time. He said he hopes the two countries will further enhance cooperation to promote fair and balanced trade relations, raising bilateral ties to a higher level.