Mexico’s foreign minister to visit China amid trade tensions

Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto Velasco will travel to China on Sept. 7 for his first visit there since taking office in April. He is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and inaugurate Mexico’s consulate in Chongqing.

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said the visit would strengthen political dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. The trip takes place during difficult trade negotiations with the United States and Canada over a review of the trilateral USMCA agreement.

Mexico imposed tariffs earlier this year on countries with which it does not have a trade agreement, including China. Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said Chinese imports affected by the new measures fell 28% in the first five months of 2026. He defended the tariffs as a way to protect domestic industry.

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government says the policy is designed to replace imports, increase domestic content in supply chains and protect about 350,000 jobs, particularly in the automotive, steel, footwear, textile and clothing industries. Mexican authorities insist the measures do not target any particular country, although China is among the main countries affected.

Beijing has criticized the policy and in March warned of possible retaliation. The new trade barriers affect more than $30 billion in Chinese exports, and China has urged Mexico to reverse them.

“

This visit will strengthen political dialogue and the cooperation agenda between both countries.