China aims to smooth out Trump rows before US summit

China held out the olive branch to the US today as its premier Li Keqiang hoped to avoid a damaging trade war with Donald Trump, despite likely “bumps” in the two nations’ relations.

The outspoken Republican president reserved some of his harshest campaign rhetoric for Beijing on his way to the White House, accusing China of being a currency manipulator and threatening to slap huge tariffs on Chinese imports to the US.

Trump has also castigated China for its military presence in the South China Sea.

But Li said the world’s two largest economies should work together to “uphold strategic interests”. He added: “We don’t wish to see a trade war breaking out between the two countries.”

His comments come ahead of a meeting between Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping, which is being brokered by officials on either side and could take place next month.

“China hopes that, no matter what bumps this relationship may run into, it will continue to forge in the right direction,” said Li.

If Trump fulfils his threat to call Beijing a currency manipulator it could lead to trade sanctions. But Li added: “China has no intention to devalue its currency to boost exports.” He said the exchange rate “will remain generally stable”.

He added: “China will continue to open to the outside world,”

He said: “We welcome other partners to share with us in the development opportunities of China.”