Agence France-Presse reported today (May 11) that Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will hold economic and trade talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent in Seoul, South Korea, on May 12–13. Bessent stated: "We look forward to achieving positive outcomes from these talks and further advancing Trump's 'America First' policy." As the international community widely anticipates an upcoming summit between U.S. President Trump and China, this engagement is seen as a crucial preliminary step toward facilitating high-level dialogue. According to schedule, Trump is expected to depart for Beijing the day after the Seoul talks conclude, with Bessent accompanying him.
Comments: The Seoul economic and trade talks are a vital prelude to Trump’s visit to China, serving as a critical opportunity for both sides to meet in advance, exchange economic and trade demands, and reconcile differences ahead of the impending leader-level summit. The U.S. is eager to leverage this meeting to advance its "America First" agenda, seeking greater self-serving advantages in areas such as trade rules and tariff adjustments. This early coordination allows both parties to clarify various economic and trade disputes while also touching upon related geopolitical issues, enabling each side to test the other’s red lines in advance. China will conduct exchanges based on principles of equality and mutual benefit, firmly safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests without compromising on fundamental principles. This meeting merely marks an initial exchange of views; the core strategic competition and key consensus will still need to be gradually solidified through direct high-level negotiations once Trump officially arrives in Beijing.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864850222008329/
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