Security comes first in U.S.-China economic relations, says Treasury Secretary Yellen

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks on the U.S.-China economic relationship at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Thursday, in Washington. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Thursday national security comes first even if it has an impact on the economic relationship with China, and "targeted actions" that Washington takes to protect its interests are not meant to give the United States a competitive economic advantage over China.

In a speech at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, Yellen said the United States seeks a healthy economic relationship with China and needs to cooperate with it in key areas like debt overhang and climate change.