China and US must meet halfway: commerce minister

China and the United States are still in talks regarding ongoing trade issues, which require the two countries to meet halfway, Zhong Shan, China's minister of commerce, said on Tuesday.

Mutual respect and mutual benefit should be the two principles for both China and the US during negotiations, Zhong said.

He made the remarks from the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing.

"President Xi stressed that cooperation is the best option for both China and the US. If the agreement is reached, it will benefit the global economy," said Zhong.

The 90-day talks between the two countries have reached a breakthrough, said Zhong.

"The two parties agreed to extend the negotiation, and during the extension, both sides will not implement the planned tariff hike. We should cherish the hard earned achievement," he added.