Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang discussed China-U.S. economic relations on the phone with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Monday, Reuters reported citing the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The talks come after U.S. trade officials said Washington is considering trade actions against Beijing, including tariffs on steel imports.
China, though, is prepared to counter potential trade penalties from U.S. President Donald Trump and is preparing for the worst even as they hope for business-like negotiations.