Top US, China Trade Negotiators Meet in New York Ahead of Trump–Xi Summit - Aman Shanti News

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives for a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at JPMorgan Chase headquarters in New York City on Sept. 20, 2026. Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images

U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer said he will join the bilateral talks in New York.

“The Trump Administration will continue to pursue balanced trade with China by monitoring the implementation of recent commitments, optimizing trade in non-sensitive goods, and improving market access for American farmers, manufacturers, and workers,” Greer said in a statement on Sept. 18.

The Chinese commerce ministry said the consultations would focus on “economic and trade issues of mutual concern,” according to a Sept. 19 statement, without providing further details.

The status of the U.S.–China trade truce, set to expire on Nov. 10, is likely to be among the priority topics.

U.S. officials have criticized the Chinese regime for failing to live up to its commitments under the current trade deal, which includes a pledge to issue licenses for exporting rare earth materials needed by various U.S. industries. In a call with reporters on Sept. 18, a senior administration official said the flow of rare earth and critical minerals from China has fallen short of Washington’s expectations.

Beijing’s financial links with Tehran are expected to be on the agenda during the Sept. 20 meeting.

Bessent said at a Sept. 15 hearing before the House Financial Services Committee that the Trump administration has sanctioned three Chinese banks found to be dealing with Iran.

Bessent told lawmakers that he has had “some very good private discussions” with Chinese officials on this issue and hopes to continue the conversation with his Chinese counterpart this weekend.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng (C) arrives for a meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at JPMorgan Chase headquarters in New York City on Sept. 20, 2026. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images) — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng (C) arrives for a meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at JPMorgan Chase headquarters in New York City on Sept. 20, 2026. Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images

The Trump administration has sought to cut the Iranian regime off from the global economy, which has brought renewed attention to Tehran’s largest trading partner and oil buyer, China.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi discussed the situation in the Middle East on Sept. 17, according to a Chinese summary of the phone call.

Wang also called for better communication and preparations for “high-level engagement in the next stage,” his ministry said. The State Department hasn’t issued any readout as of the time of publication.

The outcome of the trade negotiators’ meeting will set the stage for Trump’s summit with Xi in Washington on Sept. 24 and 25. The two leaders last met in Beijing in May.

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