Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian announced on Thursday that Chinese International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang will visit the United States this week with an official delegation.
Relations between the world’s two largest economies have remained somewhat tense this year. Both countries have made considerable strides since April, when they began imposing escalating tariffs on each other’s exports.
The spokesperson for China stated that Beijing is prepared to work with the US to
“resolve issues through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality, and jointly safeguard the sound, stable, and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.”
When did trade representatives from both countries last meet?
The last meeting between trade representatives from the US and China was July 27 – July 30, 2025, in Stockholm. At this meeting, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss ongoing trade disputes and the extension of the tariff truce that was set to expire on August 12, 2025, for 90 days.
On August 12, both countries agreed to extend their pause on reciprocal tariffs for another 90 days while continuing negotiations. However, tensions remain, as US President Donald Trump announced this week that he might impose a 200% tariff on Chinese goods if Beijing cannot supply magnets to the US.
How do Trump’s remarks reflect hopes for stronger US-China ties?
While meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he expects to travel to China “later this year, or soon after.”
Trump said during their meeting that they had had “very good conversations” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that “both the U.S. and China want a great relationship,” even if there are pending trade issues. He also stated that he would be going to China, presumably with the First Lady, following Xi Jinping’s invitation to him, as his understanding was that he would be reciprocating the invitation.
