US Treasury chief Yellen to visit China

STORY: The U.S. is sending its second top official to China in a matter of weeks, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen travelling to Beijing on Thursday.

A senior Treasury official said Sunday that Yellen will meet with senior Chinese officials on a broad range of issues.

Those include U.S. concerns about the impact of China’s new anti-spying law on foreign firms that operate there.

They also say Yellen’s visit is part of a push by President Joe Biden to stabilize the relationship between the world's two largest economies and minimize the risks of mistakes when disagreements arise.

China’s finance ministry on Monday confirmed Yellen’s visit from July 6-9.

It comes just weeks after Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing and agreed with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to ensure the two countries' rivalry does not veer into conflict.

Biden later referred to Xi as a "dictator," resulting in loud protests from China, but analysts say the remark had little impact on efforts to improve ties.

"As the world's two largest economies, we have a responsibility to work together on global issues..."

According to the Treasury official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Yellen plans to tell Beijing that Washington will continue to defend human rights and its own national security interests through targeted actions against China.

But wants to work together on urgent challenges, like climate change and debt distress faced by many countries.

The official declined to give details on which Chinese officials Yellen would meet.