BEIJING (REUTERS) - China will strive to reach a "phase one" trade agreement with the United States as both sides keep communication channels open, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Thursday (Nov 21), in an attempt to allay fears talks might be unravelling.

China is willing to work with the United States to resolve each other's core concerns on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and will try hard to reach a phase one deal, Mr Gao Feng, spokesman at the ministry, told reporters.