Bessent, Greer prep for Xi visit amid trade tensions
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- Scott Bessent emphasized expectations for Beijing to fulfill commitments on rare earths and U.S. agricultural purchases during a video call with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng
- Jamieson Greer joined Bessent in the hour-long discussion aimed at setting the stage for potential U.S.-China trade deals ahead of Xi Jinping's September visit
- He Lifeng participated in the cordial video conference as part of high-level economic talks between the U.S. and China
- The U.S. has raised concerns about Chinese measures that restrict commercial activity and national security actions, warning they 'will have consequences'
- Trump administration plans to ban Chinese robots and power inverters, citing national security threats amid broader tech rivalry
- China is reportedly planning to sell shoulder-fired missiles to Iran, an Iranian ally, prompting a warning from Trump
Why it matters: The U.S. is pressing China to honor trade commitments while confronting new risks to American firms and national security, raising stakes ahead of Xi’s visit. Unresolved tensions over AI, critical minerals, and Iran could derail progress on bilateral deals despite diplomatic engagement.
