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US-China Talks Target Tariffs, Technology and Energy Before Summit
The United States and China are preparing for important meetings about their relationship.
Scott Bessent and He Lifeng will meet first in New York.
Their leaders, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, are expected to meet later in Washington.
They will discuss tariffs, which are extra charges placed on traded goods.
They will also discuss computer technology, including artificial intelligence and advanced computer chips.
Rare-earth materials are another concern because they are used in many products.
The war involving Iran has made oil supplies and shipping routes more complicated.
The countries may also discuss fentanyl chemicals, Taiwan, and Chinese cars made by BYD.
The two sides want cooperation in some areas but still disagree on trade, technology, sanctions, and Taiwan.
Scott Bessent and He Lifeng are scheduled to meet in New York on September 20 before the Trump-Xi summit in Washington on September 24.
The talks are expected to cover extending the trade truce, reducing selected tariffs, and improving market access for United States businesses and farmers.
Artificial intelligence, advanced chips, technology controls, and safeguards against AI misuse are expected to be discussed.
Rare-earth supplies, Chinese purchases of Iranian oil, and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz have added energy and supply-chain concerns.
Fentanyl precursor chemicals, Taiwan, planned United States arms sales, and possible Chinese automaker BYD investment in the United States may feature in wider discussions.
- Who
- United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are scheduled to lead the New York talks; Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to hold the later leaders’ summit.
- What
- The countries will discuss trade and tariffs, artificial intelligence, rare earths, energy supplies, fentanyl precursor chemicals, Taiwan, and possible BYD investment in the United States.
- Where
- The economic talks are scheduled for New York, and the leaders’ summit is planned for Washington.
- When
- The Bessent-He talks are scheduled for September 20, before the Trump-Xi summit on September 24; the trade truce expires in November.
- Why
- The United States and China are seeking to preserve their trade truce, reduce broader tensions, and address disputes involving technology, critical minerals, energy, sanctions, and market access.
United States position
China position
Tariffs and trade access
United States position
The United States wants greater access for its businesses, farmers, and manufacturers, while considering tariffs linked to Chinese industrial overcapacity and forced-labor concerns.
China position
China is negotiating to preserve the trade arrangement and reduce pressure from United States tariffs, including through discussions on selected goods.
Technology and artificial intelligence
United States position
The United States wants to manage shared AI risks and prevent misuse, while restricting China’s access to some advanced semiconductor technology.
China position
China has criticised United States efforts to limit its technological development and remains divided with Washington over advanced chips and alleged technology copying.
Rare earths and Iranian oil
United States position
The United States wants more reliable access to rare earths and greater Chinese cooperation with sanctions enforcement over Iranian oil purchases.
China position
China has used rare-earth export controls as leverage in previous negotiations and faces energy and economic pressure if Iranian oil supplies are disrupted.
Taiwan and arms sales
United States position
The United States maintains longstanding commitments relating to Taiwan’s defense and is considering a weapons package for the island.
China position
China strongly opposes United States arms sales to Taiwan and has indicated that Taiwan is a major concern.
Key facts
- Economic talks
- Scott Bessent and He Lifeng are scheduled to meet in New York on September 20.
- Leaders’ summit
- Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to meet in Washington on September 24.
- Trade truce
- The existing arrangement is due to expire in November, with both sides discussing whether to extend it.
- Artificial intelligence
- The discussions may cover open-weight and closed-weight models, shared risks, safeguards, advanced chips, and technology controls.
- Rare earths
- China is a major supplier of rare-earth materials and magnets used in electronics, automobiles, defense equipment, and other technologies.
- Iranian oil
- China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, while the United States is pressing for greater cooperation on sanctions enforcement.
- Fentanyl chemicals
- The countries are expected to discuss efforts to curb Chinese shipments of precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl.
- BYD
- Chinese electric-vehicle manufacturer BYD may be included in a business delegation, while Donald Trump has suggested Chinese automakers could manufacture in the United States using American workers.
Sources
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