When top Chinese and US officials meet in Washington D.C this week, thorny trade issues – such as breaking down barriers to investment and gaining greater access to each other’s markets – are likely to top the agenda. The third meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which was established by President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao, begins on Monday and will end on Tuesday. As the FT reports, Beijing will push Washington to allow Chinese state-owned enterprises greater access to invest in the US while Washington will press China to liberalise its financial system. The US complaint that China undervalues its currency, making its exports cheaper, will also be discussed. Continue reading »