Delegations from China and the United States held trade talks in South Korea on Wednesday, just hours before US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to Chinese state media outlet Xinhua News Agency, the discussions took place at Incheon International Airport near Seoul, although further details of the meeting were not disclosed.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier confirmed that he would meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, with both officials having previously led several rounds of trade negotiations between the two economic powers.
Analysts believe the talks are aimed at finalising key announcements expected during the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing.
Trade relations between Washington and Beijing have remained tense in recent years after both countries imposed retaliatory tariffs on each other’s exports, with some levies exceeding 100 per cent.
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However, Trump and Xi agreed to a one-year trade truce during their October meeting in South Korea.
“Economic security is national security,” Bessent stated while announcing his South Korea trip on social media.
He added that he would proceed to Beijing afterward for the high-level summit between Trump and Xi.
The US president is also expected to travel with several prominent business executives, including Jensen Huang and Elon Musk, as part of efforts to strengthen economic and business ties between the two countries.