The governments of the United States and China have an “obligation” to manage their relationship in a responsible manner despite “major disagreements” between them, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reiterated today as she wrapped up her four-day official visit to Beijing.

“The two nations have an obligation to manage this relationship in a responsible way: to find a way to live together and share global prosperity,” Ms. Yellen said, underscoring the “vital” importance of high-level contacts.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also said that the talks she had in Beijing with senior Chinese government officials had allowed progress to be made in the US-China relationship, which now has, as she sees it, “more solid foundations”.

“Overall, I believe that my bilateral meetings – which lasted a total of about ten hours over two days – have been a step forward in our efforts to put the relationship between the US and China on a more solid footing,” Ms Yellen said.

The US will continue “targeted actions” aimed at protecting its national security, however its trade restrictions in China are not aimed at “ensuring economic advantage”, the US Treasury Secretary also said.

“It is important to note that our actions are motivated by (…) national security concerns. We don’t use them to gain a financial advantage,” Ms. Yellen said.