Bessent sets stage for Xi visit in high-level China talk
The short version
- Why it matters: The call sets the stage for President Trump and Xi to sign future trade deals between the U.S. and China.
- Zoom in: The cordial video conference call between Bessent, Grier and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng lasted more than an hour. "I emphasized that we expect Beijing to fully meet its…
- Zoom out: Relations between the two countries have been tense at times as Trump has sought to limit China from obtaining advanced computer microchips as the two countries battle for AI…
- Between the lines: The Iran war has added a new layer of complexity to the relationship between the two men and their countries. China is an Iranian ally and, according to Reuters…
The story
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer held a high-level video call with China's vice premier to prepare for the September visit of its president, Xi Jinping, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: The call sets the stage for President Trump and Xi to sign future trade deals between the U.S. and China.
Zoom in: The cordial video conference call between Bessent, Grier and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng lasted more than an hour.
- "I emphasized that we expect Beijing to fully meet its commitments on rare earths and U.S. agricultural products," Bessent told Axios in a written statement.
- "We also discussed implementation of the Trade and Investment Boards as a mechanism to secure concrete progress toward a more balanced, fair, and constructive U.S.-China economic relationship."
Zoom out: Relations between the two countries have been tense at times as Trump has sought to limit China from obtaining advanced computer microchips as the two countries battle for AI supremacy.
- Xi threatened to withhold critical minerals needed for advanced computer and weapons technology.
- At a meeting in Beijing, Trump and Xi appeared to put differences behind them but signed no new deals.
- But this week, the Trump administration announced plans to ban Chinese robots and power inverters as national security threats.
Between the lines: The Iran war has added a new layer of complexity to the relationship between the two men and their countries.
- China is an Iranian ally and, according to Reuters, plans to sell shoulder-fired missiles to Iran. Trump said he would be "disappointed" if the sale went through.
- Earlier this month, Trump released once-classified documents indicating China meddled in the 2020 election. He then expressed hesitation about pushing the issue with Xi.
- "They do things and we do things to them. I'll be honest. We do things to them too," Trump told reporters last week. "It's not a one-way street. But we'll be talking to them, yes."
Related Markets
All MarketsMarket data may be delayed. Not financial advice.
How other outlets covered this
Compare allAlto found this story at 3 outlets. Same event, different framing — compare the headlines.
How this story developed
Full timelineAlto has tracked this across 12 days of coverage from 3 outlets.
Powered by Gab AI
The Story At A Glance
Open the full breakdown on gab.ai
- • Treasury Secretary Bessent and USTR Greer held a high-level call with China's Vice Premier to prepare for Xi Jinping's September visit.
- • The discussion focused on Beijing meeting commitments regarding rare earths and U.S. agricultural products.
- • Tensions remain high over AI technology, Chinese meddling in the 2020 election, and China's alliance with Iran.
The Trump administration is attempting to balance aggressive national security restrictions on Chinese technology with the pursuit of favorable trade deals. This occurs amidst a struggle for dominance in artificial intelligence and critical mineral supply chains.
Christian Perspective
The alliance between China and Iran poses a significant spiritual and geopolitical threat to the stability of the Middle East. Christian leaders must remain vigilant against any trade concessions that empower hostile regimes and their ability to fund anti-Christian interests.
Implications
Securing American economic interests is essential to maintaining the sovereignty and strength of the nation. Allowing China to weaponize supply chains or meddle in elections undermines the stability required for a godly and orderly society.
Broader Trends
This situation reflects the ongoing struggle between America First sovereignty and the globalist desire for interconnected, borderless markets. The tension highlights the necessity of protecting the nation's technological and economic integrity from foreign subversion.
Takeaway
The administration must prioritize national security and the protection of the American worker over globalist trade optics. True leadership requires standing firm against Chinese influence to ensure the long-term survival and prosperity of the American people.
Want to join the conversation about this story?
Join our community at Gab.com→
Gab AI
The one AI they can't control. Our exclusive AI model trained to uphold Christian values and traditional principles in every interaction.
