Overview
- Following a videoconference described by Chinese media as frank and constructive, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng agreed to resume negotiations in Malaysia next week.
- President Trump said he will meet Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in South Korea this month and plans to travel to China in early 2026 to pursue a new trade framework.
- Washington is leveraging potential 100% tariffs on Chinese goods in response to rare‑earth export restrictions, with additional U.S. export controls aimed at sensitive technology.
- G7 ministers moved to coordinate a common response to China’s rare‑earth curbs, with EU official Valdis Dombrovskis citing diversification of suppliers and information‑sharing.
- During Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit, the U.S. pledged to accelerate AUKUS submarine deliveries and signed a critical‑minerals supply pact to reduce reliance on Beijing.