US and China Officials Hold Video Call Over Trade Tensions

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US officials Scott Bessent and Jamieson Greer held a video call on July 30 to address escalating trade tensions and the implementation of consensus reached during previous meetings between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The discussions focused on stabilizing economic ties and promoting strategic stability ahead of a potential September summit in the United States.

During the call, the Chinese side expressed serious concern regarding recent US economic and trade restrictions. Specifically, China condemned new tariffs imposed on China and 59 other nations due to alleged forced labor concerns and a US ban on imports of quadruped and humanoid robots, accusing Washington of attempting to suppress Chinese companies.

Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that he expects Beijing to fully meet its commitments regarding US agricultural products and rare earths. Despite these frictions, both parties described the exchange as candid, in-depth, and constructive. They agreed to utilize the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism to improve communication and build mutual trust.