US-China Trade Talks Begin in Seoul Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

Senior officials from the United States and China commenced a new round of trade negotiations in Seoul, South Korea, serving as a precursor to US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Beijing. The talks, held at Incheon International Airport, are led by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This marks the seventh round of negotiations since Trump’s return to office and the reignition of global tariff disputes. Unlike previous multi-day sessions, these discussions are expected to conclude quickly before Bessent joins Trump in China. Key agenda items include Chinese purchases of US agricultural products and aircraft, as well as Beijing’s export controls on critical minerals. Additionally, the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and its impact on global shipping and commodity prices are expected to be discussed, following recent US sanctions on entities facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China. Trump’s visit, accompanied by major US tech and business leaders, represents the first by a US president to China in over eight years, aiming to stabilize economic ties between the two largest economies.