US and China begin trade talks in Malaysia ahead of summit
Chinese and American officials started trade discussions in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday as both governments work to prevent their tariff conflict from expanding further. Vice Premier He Lifeng leads Beijing’s team through meetings with American negotiators that run until Monday.
President Donald Trump plans to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in South Korea. The administration previously considered canceling but Trump said he wants to reach an agreement.
Beijing imposed rare earth export controls this month after Washington launched an investigation, finding Chinese shipping dominance unreasonable. Both nations responded by charging fees on vessels from the other country.
The talks come as the world’s largest economies seek to reduce trade tensions affecting global commerce. Officials from both sides met at Malaysia’s capital to discuss resolving their ongoing dispute.
