U.S. Trade Representative Expresses Optimism Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer expressed optimism regarding relations with China ahead of a scheduled September 24 summit in Washington between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Greer noted a mutual desire for stability and indicated that the U.S. might exclude non-sensitive goods, such as fireworks and toys, from tariffs. He expects the meeting to result in announcements concerning a proposed board of trade and the reduction of agricultural non-tariff barriers, though he clarified the U.S. is not pursuing a comprehensive trade agreement.

These positive projections follow a period of friction during a G20 summit in North Carolina. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized China's current account surplus, and the G20 failed to issue a joint statement after members disputed the use of the term "non-market."

Further tensions persist as a social media account linked to state broadcaster CCTV accused Washington of using the G20 to pressure other nations. Beyond trade, the two countries remain divided over Beijing's support for Iran, the status of Taiwan, and the development of artificial intelligence.