Bessent meets China Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of Trump-Xi summit
cnbc.com Sep 21, 2026

Bessent meets China Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of Trump-Xi summit

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris, describing the encounter as “successful” ahead of the September 24 Trump‑Xi summit. The two officials discussed launching a U.S.–China AI Dialogue and proposed a bilateral notification system for AI‑related incidents. Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that both nations have “operationalized” the U.S.–China Board of Trade to streamline forthcoming trade negotiations. The meeting, held at the OECD headquarters, signals intensified diplomatic coordination on emerging technologies and trade mechanisms as the United States prepares for high‑level talks with China later this month. Bessent’s remarks underscore a proactive approach to managing AI risks and fostering structured economic dialogue between the rivals.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · Direct talks on AI safety and a functional trade board aim to curb misunderstandings and create predictable rules before the summit’s political showdown.