Delegations from the United States and China have held trade talks in South Korea, according to Chinese state media, just hours before US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the discussions took place at Incheon International Airport near Seoul, although it did not disclose details of the meeting.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier confirmed he would meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, with both officials having led previous rounds of trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing.
The meeting comes as the two economic powers attempt to stabilise relations after years of escalating trade tensions.
The United States and China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on each other’s exports last year, with some levies rising above 100%.
However, both sides agreed to a year-long trade truce during a meeting between Trump and Xi in South Korea in October, easing fears of a prolonged global trade conflict.
“Economic security is national security,” Bessent wrote on social media while announcing his trip to South Korea.
He added that he would travel onward to Beijing for the Trump-Xi summit, where officials are expected to finalise details of any agreements or announcements emerging from the talks.
Several high-profile American business leaders are also accompanying the US president on the trip to China, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang.
Their presence highlights the growing role of technology and business interests in shaping relations between the world’s two largest economies.
