Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, according to CNBC. The two officials discussed trade, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, signaling the key topics expected to feature at the upcoming summit between President Trump and President Xi on Sept. 24.
This meeting appears to be a preparatory step for the higher-level talks. With only one source available, there is no independent confirmation or contrasting account, but the report indicates that economic and technological issues are central to the bilateral agenda.
The choice of topics—trade, AI, and critical minerals—suggests that both sides are focusing on areas of strategic competition and mutual dependence. The outcome of the Bessent-He Lifeng discussions may shape the tone and substance of the Trump-Xi summit.