Bessent meets with Chinese counterpart ahead of Trump-Xi summit
Updated on: September 20, 2026 / 9:16 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York.
- The meeting preceded a planned summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Discussions focused on the U.S.-China economic and trade relationship, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and tariffs.
- Both sides agreed to further dialogue on AI, including a proposed 'notification mechanism' for national security-related incidents.
- Efforts are underway to identify non-sensitive goods, such as consumer items and energy products, for balanced trade.
- U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer also participated, emphasizing deepening engagement for mutually beneficial trade.
- The Trump administration plans to pursue balanced trade by monitoring commitments, optimizing trade in non-sensitive goods, and improving market access.
- Artificial intelligence, an expiring trade agreement, and critical minerals are expected to be major topics at the upcoming Trump-Xi summit.