China, US to Hold Trade Talks in Seoul Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

Senior officials from China and the United States are set to convene in Seoul for crucial trade talks, signaling a continued effort to manage the complex economic relationship between the world's two largest economies. The meeting, scheduled for May 12-13, will involve China's Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, ahead of a highly anticipated summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.

These consultations are pivotal as they aim to lay the groundwork for potential agreements or at least a clearer understanding between Beijing and Washington on contentious trade issues. While the previous year saw tit-for-tat tariffs, a trade truce was established, and these talks are likely to refine any announcements expected from the leaders' summit. The agenda is expected to cover trade friction and the sensitive issue of Taiwan, with broader geopolitical concerns, including the Middle East conflict, also looming.

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On Wednesday, I will stop in Seoul for a discussion with Vice-Premier He Lifeng of China, before continuing on to Beijing for the Leaders’ Summit between President Trump and President Xi.

From our perspective, these dialogues are essential for maintaining stability in global trade. While Western media often focuses on the adversarial aspects of the US-China relationship, these high-level meetings underscore the necessity of communication and negotiation. For Seoul, hosting these talks highlights South Korea's strategic position as a mediator and a key player in regional economic stability. The success of these discussions could significantly impact global markets and geopolitical dynamics.

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Economic security is national security, and I look forward to a productive series of engagements as we work to advance President Trump’s America First Economic Agenda.