Archive · 19 Sep 2026
US, China Rush to Finalize Tariff Talks Before Trump-Xi Summit
American and Chinese officials are meeting before their presidents are expected to hold a summit.
China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng will lead the Chinese team in Washington.
The talks will cover trade, tariffs, and artificial intelligence.
The two countries are also discussing lowering tariffs on some goods.
The proposed framework would cover products worth about $30 billion from each side.
A new US law could impose very high tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
China says its trade with Russia should not be controlled by the United States.
President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington has not yet been officially announced by China.
The negotiations are meant to prepare for the leaders’ meeting and address tensions between the two countries.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will lead talks in Washington from September 19 to 23 on trade and economic issues.
The negotiations are expected to address tariffs, artificial intelligence, and a proposed reciprocal tariff reduction framework.
The talks precede an expected meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump in Washington.
Trump’s new sanctions law authorizes expanded sanctions and 100% tariffs against countries buying Russian energy exports.
China rejects tariffs over its Russian oil purchases and opposes unilateral sanctions lacking a United Nations Security Council mandate.
- Who
- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will lead the economic discussions, ahead of an expected meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.
- What
- US and Chinese negotiators are holding preparatory talks on tariffs, trade, artificial intelligence, sanctions, and possible tariff reductions.
- When
- The talks are scheduled for September 19 to 23; Xi’s expected visit is reportedly scheduled for September 23, with a meeting with Trump the following day.
- Where
- The economic talks will take place in Washington, United States.
- Why
- The negotiations aim to prepare for the Trump-Xi summit and address trade disputes, including tariffs linked to China’s purchases of Russian energy.
China’s Position
US Pressure
Tariffs on Russian energy buyers
China’s Position
China says its purchases of Russian oil and gas are normal trade cooperation and should not be targeted by third parties.
US Pressure
A new US law authorizes expanded sanctions and tariffs, including 100% tariffs, against countries buying Russian energy exports.
Trade negotiations
China’s Position
China is seeking an early reciprocal tariff reduction arrangement covering $30 billion in products from each side.
US Pressure
The United States is negotiating the tariff framework while retaining pressure through sanctions and tariff measures.
- Chinese delegation
- Led by Vice Premier He Lifeng
- Talk dates
- September 19-23
- US counterpart
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- Proposed tariff framework
- Reciprocal reductions covering products worth $30 billion from each side
- Expected summit
- Xi Jinping is expected to meet Donald Trump in Washington
- New US tariff authority
- The law authorizes 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas
- China’s position
- China rejects third-party interference, coercion, and unilateral sanctions without a United Nations Security Council mandate