Chinese Economic Chief He Lifeng to Visit US from Sept. 19–23 for Trade Talks Ahead of Summit

▲ U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng

Ahead of the U.S.-China summit, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who oversees economic and trade negotiations, is visiting the United States starting September 19 to engage in economic and trade talks with the American side.

In a spokesperson statement released on September 19, China's Ministry of Commerce announced, "In accordance with an agreement reached between the two sides, He Lifeng, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, will lead a delegation to visit the United States from September 19 to 23."

The ministry explained, "Based on the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, both sides will hold consultations on economic and trade issues of mutual concern."

During his visit to the United States, Vice Premier He is expected to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Secretary Bessent recently stated at a hearing of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee that he plans to meet with Vice Premier He this weekend, and Reuters reported that the two sides are expected to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), trade, and rare earths.

It is reported that U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer will also attend the meeting.

In these negotiations, the two sides are expected to focus on issues such as extending the tariff truce set to expire in November, the supply of Chinese rare earth magnets to the U.S., and AI-related regulations and cooperation measures.

While the U.S. is expected to demand a stable supply of rare earths and critical minerals from China, it is also likely to bring issues regarding tariffs on Chinese goods and the expansion of Chinese purchases of U.S. products to the negotiating table.

This negotiation is interpreted as a preliminary coordination effort ahead of the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled to be held in Washington on September 24.

During this summit, President Trump and President Xi are projected to discuss trade, rare earths, AI, and the Taiwan issue, among other topics.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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