WASHINGTON, Sept 14: The United States and China hold cabinet-level trade talks in California this week amid tensions over China’s massive export surplus and worries about the slowing global economy.

The talks come in the sunset of George W. Bush’s Republican presidency that has seen trade disputes with China over a host of issues, ranging from copyright infringement, automobile parts and investment barriers to toxic toys and pet food.

US Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and US Trade Representative Susan Schwab will host Chinese vice-premier Wang Qishan for the one-day meeting on Tuesday.—AFP