"There was a consensus on taking effective measures to substantially reduce the United States trade deficit in goods with China," the statement said. "To meet the growing consumption needs of the Chinese people and the need for high-quality economic development, China will significantly increase purchases of United States goods and services. This will help support growth and employment in the United States."





The statement singled out agriculture and energy exports. It also acknowledged the need to protect so-called "intellectual property," a key issue for American businesses worried about losing competitive technology.





But the statement left out specifics. "The United States will send a team to China to work out the details," it said.





China sells the U.S. $375 billion more in goods than it buys. Reports in recent days indicated that China would increase purchases by $200 billion.



