GoKawiilBessent, He Lifeng hold pre-summit trade talks in New York ahead of Trump-Xi meeting
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York to discuss economic and trade issues, including AI, tariffs and rare earths, ahead of a planned summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also joined the discussions, which Bessent described as laying the groundwork for the leaders' meeting.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
These talks signal that Washington and Beijing are trying to smooth over contentious economic disputes before their heads of state meet, potentially shaping outcomes on tariffs and technology restrictions. The involvement of top trade officials from both sides suggests the summit could produce concrete agreements rather than just symbolic diplomacy.
- Bessent and He Lifeng met in New York ahead of the Trump-Xi summit set for Sept. 24.
- Talks covered AI, tariffs, rare earths and broader U.S.-China trade relations.
- USTR Jamieson Greer also participated, indicating a coordinated U.S. negotiating approach.
Source: cnbc.com — Garrett Downs, 2026-09-20
Published there as: “Bessent meets China Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of Trump-Xi summit”
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