Washington and Beijing prepare summit on trade and critical minerals
Bessent–He talks are meant to set up the Trump–Xi meeting, with no agreement announced.
New file based on the talks announced on September 20 and their still-open scope.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are due to meet in New York on Sunday, Reuters reports. The meeting is intended to prepare for a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping expected this week. [1]
The announced subjects include artificial intelligence, tariffs and critical minerals. Reuters reports that both sides may seek limited steps to keep the dialogue moving, but it does not report an agreement at publication time. [1]
The Associated Press separately describes Xi’s Washington visit as a sign of rapprochement emphasized by the U.S. administration. Its account also notes that economic and trade disputes remain unresolved. [2]
The announced meeting therefore does not establish a tariff truce or a policy change. Its significance will depend on official statements and any texts that follow the summit. [1]
Perspectives compared
The announced discussion areas are AI, tariffs and critical minerals. [1]
The meeting fits an advertised rapprochement but does not erase disputes. [2]
The meeting’s outcome and any tariff changes remain unknown. [1]
Sources and documents
- [1] Reuters / Investing.com ↗September 20, 2026
- [2] Associated Press ↗September 20, 2026