What is the main purpose of the US-China trade talks held in Seoul ahead of the Trump-Xi summit?

The main purpose of the US-China trade talks in Seoul, led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, is to prepare for the upcoming summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping by discussing bilateral trade developments and broader geopolitical issues—including the war in Iran—and to set the stage for Trump’s May 13–15 visit to Beijing, the first by a US president in nearly a decade.

Why is South Korea playing a significant role in these US-China negotiations, and what regional issue is especially relevant to its involvement?

South Korea is playing a significant role because it seeks to position itself as a constructive player amid intensifying US-China rivalry, and because its ties with Beijing are crucial for managing stability on the Korean Peninsula—particularly given China’s role as North Korea’s most important economic backer and its influence over Pyongyang, which Seoul aims to engage amid ongoing nuclear tensions.

US and China Begin Trade Talks in Seoul Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

May 12, 2026

US and Chinese trade negotiators began talks in Seoul ahead of a presidential summit, addressing bilateral trade and regional stability amid an oil crisis linked to the Iran conflict. Discussions highlight vulnerabilities in Asian energy supply chains dependent on the Strait of Hormuz.

bloomberg

Trump administration ends Medicare drug subsidy, Trump announces deal for Hamas to disarm in Gaza, border crisis

2026-04-22

US Hopes for Wider Farm Goods Purchase Deal with China During Trump Visit, Says Greer

2026-04-26

China Expands Economic Pressure Toolkit Under Cover of Trade Truce with Trump

2026-04-29

White House Quiet as China Ramps Up Trade Leverage Before Trump-Xi Summit

2026-05-06

Chinese Exporters 'Numb' to U.S. Threats as Trump Set to Visit

2026-05-07