China and the US failed to reach any agreement during the
textile negotiations that ended in Beijing yesterday as
"differences remained in some principle issues," according to the
Ministry of
Commerce.
During the fourth round of negotiations "both sides sought
resolutions to textile disputes with a positive attitude and
flexibility," the ministry said in a press release issued after
their conclusion.
It said both sides agreed to maintain consultations and will set
the date and location of the next round of negotiations through
diplomatic channels as early as possible.
David Spooner, special negotiator at the US Trade
Representative's office, was quoted in a statement from the US
Embassy to China as saying the US remains "optimistic" that
progress can be made.
The talks began on Tuesday morning with Vice Commerce Minister
Gao Hucheng heading the Chinese delegation and David Spooner the US
side.
(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2005)