UPDATE 1-China looks forward to discussions with US commerce chief as trade flows slow

China is looking forward to in-depth discussions with the United States on resolving economic and trade issues when its commerce secretary, Gina Raimondo, visits next week, China's commerce ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. Raimondo is due in Beijing and Shanghai for talks with government officials and U.S. business leaders, marking the latest in a recent series of high-level visits aimed at halting a slide in relations between the world's two biggest economies. "We have noted that China and the U.S. have encountered some difficulties and challenges in bilateral trade and investment, which are related to the various trade protection measures adopted by the U.S. side," the ministry spokesperson, Shu Jueting, said.