China and the United States have maintained "close communication at various levels" through their economic and trade consultation mechanism, exchanging views in a timely manner and addressing each other's concerns, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

He Yadong, spokesman for the ministry, made the remarks at a news conference in Beijing in response to a question about comments by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said his team met Chinese officials in Beijing last week to prepare for upcoming high-level talks.

China is willing to work with the US on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, He said.

China will strengthen dialogue and communication with the US to properly manage differences and expand practical cooperation, so as to promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations, he added.