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Paris Today
By the People, for the People
U.S. and China Hold Trade Talks Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
Discussions focus on economic and trade issues as Iran tensions and trade war loom over bilateral relations.
Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:34pm
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Representatives from the U.S. and China, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, began economic and trade talks in Paris on Sunday. The talks are seen as paving the way for an upcoming state visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in about two weeks. The discussions are expected to cover trade and economic issues of mutual concern between the two countries.
Why it matters
The U.S.-China trade relationship remains a source of tension, with a new U.S. trade investigation into 16 trading partners, including China, potentially leading to new tariffs. Additionally, the Iran conflict and its impact on global oil prices and supplies could be a topic of discussion between the two countries.
The details
The delegations met in Paris on Sunday and are scheduled to continue talks on Monday. Bessent said his team will continue to deliver results that put America's farmers, workers and businesses first. The talks come ahead of Trump's planned state visit to China from March 31 to April 2, though Beijing has not officially confirmed the dates.
- The talks in Paris began on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
- Trump is scheduled to visit China from March 31 to April 2, 2026.
The players
Scott Bessent
U.S. Treasury Secretary leading the U.S. delegation in the trade talks.
He Lifeng
Chinese Vice Premier leading the Chinese delegation in the trade talks.
Donald Trump
President of the United States, scheduled to visit China in late March/early April 2026.
Xi Jinping
President of the People's Republic of China, set to meet with Trump during his upcoming state visit.
What they’re saying
“We must continue to deliver results that put America's farmers, workers and businesses first.”
— Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary (Xinhua)
“It would be a 'big year' for China-U.S. relations.”
— Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister (Fortune)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The upcoming U.S.-China trade talks and Trump's state visit to China will be crucial in determining the future direction of the bilateral relationship, which remains strained by issues like the trade war and tensions over Iran.
