US, China economic chiefs meet in Paris to clear path to Trump-Xi summit
Why it matters: US‑China trade stability is a linchpin for global economic health and geopolitical balance.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent leads the Paris talks, targeting tariff adjustments, rare‑earth mineral flows, and high‑tech export controls.
- Chinese Vice‑Premier He Lifeng pushes for smoother US agricultural imports and greater access to U.S. markets for Chinese rare‑earths and magnets.
- USTR Jamieson Greer joins the delegation, underscoring the continued EU‑mediated diplomatic push to ease trade tensions.
- Analysts such as Scott Kennedy (CSIS) note that limited preparation time and Washington’s focus on the US‑Iran‑Israel war make a major trade breakthrough unlikely, expecting only a superficial show of progress.
- President Trump hopes to secure Chinese orders for Boeing jets, LNG, and soybeans, but may need to concede on U.S. export controls, while President Xi likely seeks relief on sanctions and oil‑shipping concerns.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice‑Premier He Lifeng met in Paris to iron out trade snags and pave the way for a Trump‑Xi summit, but analysts warn the tight timeline and the looming US‑Iran‑Israel conflict limit any substantive breakthrough. Both sides aim to keep the relationship from deteriorating, even if only superficial progress emerges.
