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US & China Begin High-Level Talks on Trade, AI Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
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Firstpost•21-09-2026, 05:57
US & China Begin High-Level Talks on Trade, AI Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
- •US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng initiated high-level discussions in New York, days before the Trump-Xi summit.
- •Key agenda items include trade, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, with a focus on extending the fragile trade truce expiring in November.
- •The talks address the supply of rare earth magnets and critical minerals, an ongoing concern for the US regarding China's performance under the previous truce.
- •Artificial intelligence is a new discussion area, with the US proposing talks on AI safeguards, risk management, and preventing separate AI system development.
- •The New York talks aim to manage tensions and maintain the trade truce, with analysts not expecting a major breakthrough but rather limited areas of agreement.
Key Questions Answered
US and Chinese officials began high-level discussions in New York focusing on trade, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and the future of their fragile trade truce.
The fragile trade truce between Washington and Beijing is due to expire in November, prompting both sides to discuss its future during their recent negotiations.
The high-level talks in New York are being led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also participating.
