Bessent Engages With Chinese Vice Premier Before Trump-xi Talks

WHO:

CBS News - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

CBS News - Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng

CNBC - Chinese President Xi Jinping

CNBC - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer

WHAT:

CBS News - Bessent is meeting with He Lifeng ahead of the planned summit between Trump and Xi.

CNBC - The talks are expected to cover artificial intelligence, tariffs, rare earths, and other economic issues.

CNBC - Bessent stated that the discussions are intended to lay the groundwork for Trump to advance America's economic interests.

WHERE:

CBS News - The meeting is taking place in New York City.

CNBC - The summit between Trump and Xi is scheduled to occur in Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

CNBC - The summit between Trump and Xi is set for Sept. 24, 2026.

CNBC - Bessent and He Lifeng met during trade talks at OECD headquarters in Paris, France, on March 16, 2026.

WHY:

CNBC - Bessent aims to set the stage for constructive talks that will benefit the U.S.-China economic relationship.

HOW:

CNBC - Bessent expressed his anticipation for "focused, fulsome and constructive talks" to prepare for the summit.

(UPDATED September 20, 2026 21:57 UTC)

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is currently meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York City to prepare for the upcoming summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for September 24, 2026. The discussions are expected to focus on key economic issues such as artificial intelligence, tariffs, and rare earths, with Bessent emphasizing the importance of laying the groundwork for advancing America's economic interests. He expressed his anticipation for "focused, fulsome and constructive talks" that will benefit the U.S.-China economic relationship.