China's vice-foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu set for US visit in 'temperature test' for Xi
China's vice-foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu is expected to travel to the United States soon, in a visit being described as a 'temperature test' of the current state of bilateral relations. The talks could help pave the way for higher-level contacts involving President Xi Jinping.

According to diplomatic sources, China's vice-foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu is expected to travel to Washington soon. The visit is being characterized as a kind of 'temperature test' meant to gauge the current state of relations between the two countries.
Observers say the talks are expected to touch on ongoing disagreements over trade, technology and regional security. It remains unclear whether the visit will pave the way for a higher-level engagement involving President Xi Jinping.
Relations between the US and China have remained cautious in recent months amid continued tension over trade policy and technology export restrictions. Analysts note that this kind of lower-level diplomatic contact is often used to prepare the ground ahead of higher-level summits.
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