Senior American and Chinese officials are set to meet in London on Monday in a new attempt to break the deadlock over an escalating trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that top members of his administration, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, will lead the American side. Beijing later announced that Vice Premier He Lifeng will represent China during the discussions.
The talks follow a phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, which both sides described as constructive. Trump said the conversation had produced “a very positive conclusion,” while Chinese media reported that Xi urged the US to reverse recent trade restrictions.
The meeting marks the first high-level engagement since a temporary truce was reached in Geneva last month. That deal reduced US tariffs on Chinese goods to 30 percent and saw China cut its import duties to 10 percent. It also included a commitment to resume trade in rare earth materials, vital for high-tech industries.
However, the peace has proven fragile. Both sides have accused each other of failing to honor the terms. Washington claims China has not fully resumed critical mineral shipments. In response, Beijing insists the US continues to impose unfair trade restrictions.
On Saturday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said it had approved several rare earth export licenses, though it offered no specifics. Meanwhile, US officials acknowledged some improvement in shipments but argued the volume still falls short of expectations.
The renewed negotiations come as economic data from China show exports rising less than forecast and imports falling more sharply than predicted. Analysts warn that if no deal is reached before the 90-day deadline set in the Geneva accord, further tariffs could be reimposed.
As tensions mount, officials on both sides face growing pressure to find a path forward. The London talks may be the last chance to avoid another round of economic retaliation.
Related Readings:
