The United States will keep trying to override calls for protectionism and promote better mutual understanding with China, a senior official of the US Department of Treasury said in Beijing yesterday.

Under-Secretary for International Affairs David McCormick warned that the talk of protectionism could easily invoke national passions, hence it is important for both the US and China to keep in mind the tremendous benefits arising out of openness in foreign investment.

"When China succeeds, the United States succeeds," said McCormick in his speech, "Rebalancing the US and China Economic Relationship" at Peking University.