LONDON – In a move aimed at easing ongoing trade tensions, the United States and China are set to hold high-level negotiations in London on Monday, June 9. The talks mark a significant step forward in efforts to stabilize economic relations between the two global superpowers.
The announcement followed a 90-minute phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which Trump described as “very positive” and constructive.
The U.S. delegation will include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. China has yet to disclose which officials will participate on its side.
The meeting will focus on reducing trade tariffs and resolving issues surrounding the flow of rare earth minerals—materials critical to industries such as electronics and defense.
This renewed dialogue builds on a preliminary agreement reached in Geneva on May 12, where both nations pledged to lower certain tariffs—30% on the U.S. side and 10% for China—and partially resume rare earth exports. However, implementation has been sluggish, and both sides have accused each other of not fully honoring the deal.
With the 90-day tariff truce agreed upon in May set to expire on August 12, the London talks are viewed as a pivotal opportunity to resolve long-standing trade disputes.
President Trump expressed optimism, saying the U.S. is making “significant progress” toward a broader trade agreement. He also stated that President Xi has agreed to resume rare earth exports to the U.S., though Chinese officials have not yet confirmed this claim.
The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications—not only for U.S.-China trade relations but for the broader global economy as well.
According to Channel News Asia, the negotiations reflect renewed urgency to build momentum before the truce deadline.
