Beijing — U.S.-China trade negotiations “are a bit stalled,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News in an interview Thursday local time, calling for the leaders of the two nations to communicate personally.
He stated, “I believe that we will be having more talks with them in the next few weeks,” adding that “at some point,” the leaders of the two nations would phone each other.
Following a sharp rise in trade tensions last month, Bessent assisted the two biggest economies in the world in Switzerland on May 12 to get to a breakthrough deal. For ninety days, or until mid-August, the nations agreed to reverse recent tariff hikes exceeding more than 100%. Late last week, diplomatic representatives from both sides paid a call.
Still, the U.S. has moved ahead with tech limitations on Beijing, eliciting criticism; China has not notably relaxed rare earth restrictions, against Washington’s hopes.
“I think that given the scope of the talks, given the complexity, that this is going to need both leaders to weigh in with each other,” Bessent said. “They have a really good relationship, and I am sure that when President [Donald] Trump expresses his [preferences] the Chinese will show up.”
Last conversation between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in January, right before the U.S. president was sworn in for his second term. Although Trump has indicated in recent weeks that he would want to talk with Xi, many predict China will agree only if there is guarantee the U.S. will not surprise China during the discussion.
Since the deal in Switzerland, China has kept correspondence with the United States; Chinese Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson He Yongqian informed reporters at a regular briefing Thursday.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said Thursday, “The U.S. decision to revoke Chinese student visas is fully unjustified,”
