US and China Open Trade Talks in Paris

Negotiations pave the way for Trump's upcoming state visit to Beijing

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:20pm

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Representatives from the United States and China have begun economic and trade talks in Paris, setting the stage for U.S. President Donald Trump's state visit to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the coming weeks. The delegations, led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, are discussing 'trade and economic issues of mutual concern' as the two countries seek to build on a temporary truce in their ongoing trade war.

Why it matters

The Paris talks are seen as a crucial precursor to the highly anticipated summit between Trump and Xi, which will be the first visit by a U.S. president to China since Trump's initial term in 2017. The discussions come amid ongoing trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, as well as new factors like the Iran situation that could impact the bilateral relationship.

The details

The delegations from the U.S. and China convened in Paris on Sunday, with plans to continue the negotiations on Monday as well. Treasury Secretary Bessent has said his team will continue to prioritize the interests of American farmers, workers and businesses. The talks are expected to cover a range of economic and trade issues, though the specific agenda has not been disclosed. One potential topic is the Trump administration's recent trade investigation into 16 trading partners, including China, which could lead to new tariffs.

  • The Paris talks began on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • President Trump is scheduled to visit China from March 31 to April 2, 2026.

The players

Scott Bessent

U.S. Treasury Secretary leading the American delegation in the Paris trade talks.

He Lifeng

Chinese Vice Premier heading the Chinese delegation in the Paris negotiations.

Donald Trump

President of the United States, scheduled to visit China in the coming weeks.

Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China, set to meet with President Trump during his state visit.

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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 (Associated Press)

“It would be a 'big year' for China-U.S. relations.”

— Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister (Associated Press)

What’s next

The Paris talks are expected to continue on Monday, March 16, 2026, ahead of President Trump's state visit to China from March 31 to April 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The high-level trade negotiations in Paris represent a crucial step in the ongoing efforts by the U.S. and China to manage their complex economic relationship and build towards a potential breakthrough during the upcoming summit between Presidents Trump and Xi. The discussions will likely focus on resolving lingering trade disputes while also addressing new geopolitical factors that could impact the bilateral dynamic.