He Lifeng Visits U.S. from 19th to 23rd Ahead of U.S.-China Summit for Trade Talks

by Lee Seungjin

Published 19 Sep.2026 11:35(KST)

Extension of Tariff Truce, Rare Earth Supply, and AI Expected to Be on the Agenda

Ahead of the U.S.-China summit, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who oversees the country's economic and trade negotiations, is visiting the United States to discuss economic and trade issues between the two countries.

According to China's Ministry of Commerce, in a statement released on September 19, "Under an agreement between China and the United States, He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, will lead a delegation to visit the United States from September 19 to 23."

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Lipeng is attending the China-European Union (EU) High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue held in Beijing on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News

The Ministry further explained, "Based on the significant consensus reached by the two heads of state, both sides will hold consultations on economic and trade matters of mutual concern."

During the visit, Vice Premier He is expected to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Secretary Bessent recently stated at a U.S. House Financial Services Committee hearing that he plans to meet with Vice Premier He this weekend.

According to foreign media reports, artificial intelligence (AI), trade, and rare earth elements are expected to be major agenda items in the meeting. Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), is also reportedly expected to participate in the talks.

Both sides will likely discuss topics including the extension of the tariff truce that is set to expire in November, the supply of Chinese rare earth magnets to the United States, and collaborative regulatory measures related to AI.

The United States is expected to demand stable supplies of rare earths and critical minerals from China, while also raising issues related to tariffs on Chinese products and ways to expand China's purchases of U.S. goods at the negotiating table.

This round of negotiations is seen as an effort to coordinate key issues ahead of the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is scheduled to take place in Washington on September 24.