China’s Commerce Ministry says the country plans to hold trade talks with U.S. representatives in January.

"Despite the American side currently having Christmas holidays," U.S. and China trade teams have "maintained close communication," ministry spokesperson Gao Feng said.

"The two sides have indeed made concrete arrangements to meet face-to-face" next month, Gao said, without confirming media reports that U.S. representatives will visit China on Jan. 7.

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