Chinese official's U.S. visit not a prelude to future talks, source says
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A Chinese trade official is due to visit the U.S. in coming days, but that will not be a prelude to future negotiations or a meeting of the countries' leaders, a source familiar with the negotiations tells Axios.
Why it matters: Talks between the world's two largest economies are in a delicate state. A tariff truce is holding, but pressure is increasing on both sides over issues ranging from tech to agriculture.
Catch up quick: A top Chinese trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, is due in the U.S. this week for a variety of senior-level meetings, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday night.
- The paper reported he would meet with deputies to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and top Treasury Department officials.
Yes, but: A U.S. government spokesperson tells Axios that Li will not meet with top officials, like Greer or Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The intrigue: While the trade truce the two sides negotiated in May, re-negotiated in June and affirmed in July is holding, rhetoric has ramped again in recent days.
- President Trump recently insisted the Chinese should purchase more U.S. soybeans, and threatened a huge increase in tariffs if the country choked off the crucial industrial supply of rare earth magnets.
- China, for its part, accused the U.S. of agricultural protectionism, and also reportedly leaned on companies not to buy chips from American AI powerhouse Nvidia.
Between the lines: Li's visit was not at the request of the U.S. side, the source familiar tells Axios, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the ongoing talks.
- U.S. officials won't be planning future trade talks via Li, or working with him on arrangements for a potential future meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the source added.
- The U.S. side remains concerned about China's stance on agriculture, given the protectionism allegations and what officials see as Chinese moves to shun American farm products.
- The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What to watch: The current truce extends through Nov. 9.
