Top trade delegates from the United States and China are convening in London on Monday to negotiate a resolution to the protracted trade dispute between the globe’s foremost economic powerhouses.
Representing the U.S. in the discussions are Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
China’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday announced that Vice Premier He Lifeng, serving as Beijing’s chief trade negotiator, will visit the U.K. from June 8-13. During this period, a meeting with the U.S. delegates on “economic and trade consultation mechanism” is expected to occur.
The London negotiations follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as both leaders seek to sidestep a full-scale trade war.
Developing diplomatic efforts mark the latest phase in alleviating trade tensions that surged after President Trump imposed extensive import tariffs targeting China and other trading nations in April, prompting a retaliatory response from Beijing.
The tit-for-tat spat resulted in a series of escalating tariffs before both sides agreed in May in Geneva to temporarily reduce these duties and continue negotiations. At that meeting, the U.S. decreased tariffs on Chinese imports to 30% from 145%, while China reduced its levies on U.S. imports to 10% from 125%.
Despite these developments, accusations have persisted, with the U.S. alleging that China has been sluggish in permitting exports of pivotal minerals, whereas China has criticized the U.S. for implementing new constraints on Chinese student visas and additional export controls on semiconductors.
U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated on Sunday that the primary focus of the London sessions is to progress with the terms set out in the Geneva agreement, emphasizing the mutual strategic interests in leveraging each other’s markets.
