US, China Hold Trade, AI Talks Ahead of Xi-Trump Meeting
Top US and Chinese officials held “candid, in-depth and constructive” talks on economic, trade and artificial intelligence issues in New York, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on September 23.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Sunday, with the discussions focusing on key economic and trade matters of mutual concern and the implementation of understandings reached during previous negotiations, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The officials also discussed issues related to artificial intelligence, although no specific details were disclosed. The talks were held against the backdrop of continuing tensions between the world’s two largest economies over tariffs, technology and trade.
The meeting comes as Trump has signed legislation authorising expanded sanctions and tariffs against Russia and countries purchasing Russian energy exports. China and India could be affected by the measures because of their purchases of Russian oil and gas.
Beijing has rejected Washington’s efforts to impose tariffs over its Russian energy purchases. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China conducts normal economic and trade cooperation with other countries based on equality and mutual benefit, and opposed unilateral sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction” without a basis in international law.
Despite the tensions, Washington and Beijing are negotiating a reciprocal tariff reduction framework covering products worth about USD 30 billion from each side. Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson Huang Ling said the two countries were seeking to reach an arrangement at the earliest possible date.
The economic discussions also come amid intensifying competition over artificial intelligence. Trump has announced plans to establish an “AI Force”, modelled on the US Space Force, and said he would appoint an AI “czar”.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation last week on high-level exchanges between the two countries.
Trump is also expected to personally receive Xi at Joint Base Andrews when the Chinese leader arrives, according to the South China Morning Post. The two leaders last met in Beijing in May during Trump’s visit, where they held talks aimed at improving bilateral ties.