Bessent meets China Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of Trump-Xi summit

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng shake hands during trade talks at OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) headquarters in Paris, France, March 16, 2026. The U.s. Treasury | Via ReutersTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent is meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the U.S. this week. The talks are expected to cover artificial intelligence, tariffs, rare earths and other economic issues ahead of Trump and Xi's Sept. 24 summit in Washington, D.C."In New York City, Vice Premier He Lifeng and I are continuing our discussions on the U.S.-China economic and trade relationship ahead of [President Donald Trump's] historic summit with President Xi in Washington," Bessent said in a post to X along with a photo of himself and He. He added: "These talks help lay the groundwork for President Trump to advance America's economic interests and deliver results for the American people."In brief remarks to reporters before the meeting at JPMorgan Chase in New York, Bessent said he looks forward to "focused, fulsome and constructive talks today that will set the stage" for this we...