What are the main topics expected to be discussed between U.S. and Chinese officials at the Beijing summit following the Bessent-He talks in South Korea?

The main topics expected at the Beijing summit include establishing forums to ease mutual trade and investment; China announcing purchases of Boeing airplanes, American agriculture, and energy; U.S. consideration of relaxing export curbs on advanced semiconductors; addressing a U.S. bill restricting chip-making equipment exports to China; potentially extending a truce on China's export curbs on rare earths; and discussing the Iran war, given China's ties with Iran and its role as a major buyer of Iranian oil.

Why are the preliminary talks between U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He described as 'exploratory' with 'limited immediate outcomes'?

According to Professor Kim Tae-hwang of Myongji University, the talks are 'essentially in a holding pattern ahead of the summit, sounding each other out, rather than seeking breakthroughs', and neither side has strong incentives to make early concessions — the U.S. is unlikely to ease curbs on key technologies like semiconductors, and China, buoyed by resilient growth and trade performance, is under less pressure to offer significant compromises.

US Treasury's Bessent, China's He Hold Talks in South Korea Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

May 12, 2026

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He held preparatory talks in South Korea ahead of the Trump-Xi summit. Discussions covered trade issues including agriculture, energy, semiconductors, and rare earth exports.

reuters

2026-05-12

US Treasury's Bessent, China's He Hold Talks in South Korea Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

US Treasury's Bessent, China's He Hold Talks in South Korea Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

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