US-China tariff talks set ahead of Xi visit

Washington will host crucial preparatory talks between senior US and Chinese negotiators, focusing on tariffs and other economic matters, prior to President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to the United States. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will head a delegation from September 19 to 23, with discussions guided by the consensus established between Xi and President Donald Trump.

Although Beijing has yet to officially confirm Xi's visit, US media reports indicate he is expected to arrive on September 23, meeting Trump the following day. President Trump has promised a rare airport reception for Xi by personally greeting him upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews.

The talks come in the wake of President Trump signing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which includes expanded sanctions and tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, including China and India. China has rejected US attempts to impose tariffs on its energy imports, asserting that normal trade cooperation should not be influenced by third parties.

Despite the tariff threat, Washington and Beijing are also negotiating a reciprocal tariff reduction framework covering products valued at USD 30 billion from each side. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a telephone conversation on Thursday, discussing high-level exchanges between the two nations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently visited Beijing to meet with Wang, expressing Tehran's desire to end its conflict with the US and return to diplomatic solutions.