China and the U.S. have concluded a round of high-level talks on trade, commerce and investment in Washington. It is the last Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade meeting with President Barack Obama in the White House.

President-elect Donald Trump pledged to increase duties on Chinese goods during his run for office, and there is concern that progress made in trade over the last few years could be undone. In a press briefing after the trade talks, representatives from both nations said they must manage their differences properly.

Zhang Xiangchen (C), China's deputy international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce, speaks during a press briefing for the 27th Session of the China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), in Washington D.C., the United States, Nov. 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Zheng Qihang)

“The interests of China and the U.S. are interconnected. It remains unchanged that we share more common ground than differences. Meanwhile, we are monitoring what positions on trade Mr. Trump will take once he’s in office,” said Zhang Xiangchen, China's deputy international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce.

“In terms of duties, China and the U.S. are both members of the World Trade Organization. I’ve been dealing with the WTO for 20 years and I think Mr. Trump will be reminded of the obligations of the U.S. And China will take measures to protect our own rights and interests as allowed by the WTO.”

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman (R) speaks during a press briefing for the 27th Session of the China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), in Washington D.C., the United States, Nov. 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Zheng Qihang)