U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are scheduled to meet on Sunday for discussions on economic and technology issues, officials have confirmed. The meeting is intended to lay the groundwork for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington later this week.
The talks between Bessent and He are part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two countries. The agenda for their discussion is expected to cover several key areas, including the development of artificial intelligence (AI), existing trade tariffs, and policies related to critical minerals.
These topics represent significant points in the U.S.-China economic relationship. Discussions surrounding AI have centered on its dual role in economic innovation and national security. Both governments have publicly stated their focus on advancing AI capabilities while also addressing potential risks associated with the technology.
Trade policies, particularly the tariffs enacted by both nations on various goods, have been a consistent subject in bilateral negotiations. The upcoming talks will continue to address the economic impact of these tariffs on both domestic and international markets.
The issue of critical minerals involves materials essential for manufacturing in high-tech sectors, including defense, consumer electronics, and renewable energy technologies. Global supply chains for these minerals have become a central element of national economic strategies, and discussions are expected to address access and stability in these markets.
The meeting between Secretary Bessent and Vice Premier He serves as a preparatory session for the higher-level engagement between President Trump and President Xi. In standard diplomatic practice, such meetings allow senior officials to refine the agenda, identify areas of potential consensus, and clarify positions before heads of state convene.
Further details regarding the specific outcomes or potential agreements to be discussed at the presidential summit have not been publicly released by either government. The results of Sunday’s preparatory meeting are expected to shape the framework for the leaders’ discussions later in the week.
