WASHINGTON. Dec 31: US officials, sidestepping talks of year-end trade sanctions, said yesterday that Chinese officials have been invited to Washington for last-ditch talks to resolve a growing dispute over Chinese textile exports, reports Reuter.

China has also pleded to begin compliance with a 1992 accord to open many of its markets to Imports by December 31. and the United States is awaiting compliance, they said.

Asked about retaliation if China did not open its markets as agreed, one official said "the United States expects China to be in compliance with the agreement. We have clearly outlined our expectations."