Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen described her trip to China as successful in forging relationships and creating opportunities for ongoing communication between the United States and China. Yellen met with top Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang and Vice Premier Liu He, discussing major issues like national security, technology, and trade. She emphasized the importance of establishing person-to-person relationships and open channels of communication. Yellen stated that healthy economic competition is sustainable and mutually beneficial in the long term.
However, while Yellen's visit was seen as encouraging by many, underlying tensions between the US and China remain. It is suggested that a diplomatic breakthrough will require significant political capital from both sides. The Treasury Secretary's meeting with Chinese female economists and entrepreneurs faced criticism from online nationalists, who accused them of betraying their country. Yellen's exchange with these women highlighted her focus on female representation in decision-making.
Overall, Yellen's trip laid a foundation for ongoing diplomacy, but the deeper issues between the two countries must still be addressed.