Bessent calls meeting with China Vice Premier He Lifeng 'successful' ahead of Trump-Xi summit

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York to discuss economic issues including AI, tariffs, and rare earths ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to the U.S. for a summit with President Donald Trump on Sept. 24, 2026. The talks aim to set the stage for advancing U.S. economic interests amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions and AI safety debates. Key AI and business leaders are expected to attend a state dinner during Xi's visit.