China's exports rose 4.8% in May from a year earlier, a bit lower than expected, as shipments to the United States fell nearly 10%, according to data released Monday just hours ahead of another round of trade talks between the U.

Trade talks between the US and China got underway this afternoon in London. The Trump administration is signaling a willingness to remove restrictions on exports imposed as part of its global trade war in exchange for assurances that China is easing limits on rare earth shipments.

High-level delegations from the United States and China are meeting in London to try and shore up a fragile truce in a trade dispute that has roiled the global economy

China’s Commerce Ministry said over the weekend that it had approved some export licenses for rare-earth-related products, a move seen as a goodwill gesture.

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Plans for a new Chinese “super-embassy” in London must be blocked after a warning from the White House, the Tories have said. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said the proposals for a huge new complex near the city’s financial hub pose a “security risk” and should be thrown out.