Beijing (TDI): Li Chenggang, China’s senior trade negotiator and Vice Minister of Commerce, is scheduled to travel to Washington this week for discussions with US officials, as both countries extended the tariff deadline on August 11.
Although not part of a formal negotiation round, Li’s visit marks the highest-level Chinese trade engagement with the United States since 2023. Reports indicate he may meet with deputy-level US Trade Representative officials.
Both countries are currently negotiating on new trade and tariff terms amid a 90-day extended tariff truce. During these 90 days, the US tariff rates on Chinese products are 30% while those on US goods are 10%.
A Wall Street Journal–cited report indicates a broader engagement beyond typical government channels. Li is expected to meet US Treasury officials, business representatives, and possibly US Trade Representative Greer.
Read More: Trade War on Hold: US, China Delay Tariff Hikes for 90 Days
Key agenda items could include China’s increased purchases of soybeans, easing of US technology export restrictions, and removal of the 20% tariffs on fentanyl-related goods alongside broader trade concessions.
Li’s trip builds on a series of diplomatic efforts to reach a favorable deal, with negotiation rounds held in Geneva, London, and Stockholm.
On Friday, Chinese Ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, in a speech to a soybean industry event in Washington, said: “(US) protectionism is rampant, casting a shadow over China-US agricultural cooperation.”
In the same speech, he also called Trump’s moves as “political manipulation.” The Ambassador’s comments are aligned with China’s public rhetoric in the face of Trump tariffs. China has publicly denounced US protectionism on multiple occasions.
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