— I think we have a very successful framework that the leaders will be able to discuss on Thursday," said the Minister of Finance, referring to Trump's planned gathering with Xi in South Korea on 30 October at the margins of the Asia-Pacific economical Community Summit (APEC).
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— We discussed trade, uncommon earth metals, fentanyl, TikTok, and the general relations between the 2 countries,” concluded Washington.
End of preliminary talks between the US and China. ‘New nuance’
Recent weeks have brought new, crucial tensions in the relations of the 2 world's largest economies, including Chinese restrictions on exports of uncommon earth metals. Trump then threatened to introduce 100-proc. customs duties on Chinese goods from 1 November.
During the erstwhile circular of negotiations, the provisional "retirement" according to which the work rate on Chinese goods decreased to 30% and Chinese duties on US goods to 10%, is valid until mid-November.
Bessent suggested that it was likely to be extended. — Coming out of this meeting, I'd say yes, but yet it's president Trump's decision. “ He said.
Washington is additionally frustrated by China's suspension of soy imports and Beijing's continued purchases of Russian oil, which, according to the US, supports Moscow's war effort in Ukraine. According to Bessent, there were besides "significant discussions" on the acquisition of agricultural products in Kuala Lumpur.
Meeting another than previous
The Minister besides stressed the good atmosphere of talks with the Chinese delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister He Lifeng.
— It was the 5th gathering of me and Deputy Prime Minister He Lifeng, we have large respect. ... What distinguished this gathering was preparation for the talks of both leaders. So we were determined to supply them with a framework for a successful summit in Korea, which I think will be, said Bessent.
The Chinese side has not yet formally confirmed whether the Xi-Trump gathering will come. The Beijing Ministry of Diplomacy only informed on Friday that representatives of the PRC, at the invitation of the South Korean President. Li Dze Mjunga, "will fly on 30 October — 1 November to Gyeongju, South Korea to attend the 32nd informal gathering of APEC leaders and to pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea".
