China: 'No Big Deal' If US Officials Don't Attend Chinese Trade Fair
China will hold an import fair in Shanghai this week to showcase Chinese companies, trade policies and address criticism of trade restrictions amid U.S.-China trade negotiations. China said more than 190 U.S. businesses will attend, an 18 percent increase from the previous year, even as U.S. officials are opting to skip the event. A U.S. embassy spokesperson said no senior officials plan to attend, according to Reuters.
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“They are welcome to attend the event if they'd like to come,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said during a Nov. 1 press conference.“But if they don't, it's no big deal.”
The presence of U.S. businesses shows they “are optimistic about China's economic prospects and market potential,” the spokesperson said. “They are ready to increase investment in and deepen cooperation with China. I believe this matters more. After all, it is American enterprises that are doing business and conducting trade and economic cooperation with China.”
The fair, which will be held Nov. 5-10, will feature Chinese President Xi Jinping and will stress China’s willingness to participate in free trade, China’s Ministry of Commerce said during an Oct. 29 press conference, according to an unofficial translation. The fair will also feature panels on artificial intelligence and reform within the World Trade Organization.
“It is expected that more than 4,000 representatives of political, business, and international organizations from various countries and regions will attend the conference to discuss and solve problems, seek common development, and make suggestions for the revitalization of the world economy,” China said.