Bessent has spoken out! Following a recent call between China and the U.S., America has put forward two conditions. On July 31, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that during his conversation with Chinese officials, he emphasized the U.S. expectation for China to fully fulfill its commitments regarding rare earths and American agricultural products. The two sides discussed the implementation of the Trade and Investment Council as a mechanism to ensure tangible progress toward achieving a more balanced, fair, and constructive economic relationship between the U.S. and China.
This marks the first direct dialogue between Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng since the summit between the two countries' leaders in May. Clearly, Bessent’s remarks leave no room for ambiguity: the two issues most pressing to the U.S. in this call were, first, urging us to continue purchasing American agricultural products, and second, continuing to supply rare earth materials to the U.S. However, the reality is evident—engagement between China and the U.S. cannot be one-sided, with the U.S. unilaterally setting demands and expecting us to comply without question.
During this call, we clearly expressed serious concerns over recent U.S. economic and trade restrictions against China. What does this signify? It indicates one clear point: if the U.S. does not take reciprocal steps, its demands will not be met. Whether on the Taiwan issue or economic and trade matters, after Trump's visit to China, the U.S. has shown signs of retreating. Our warnings are therefore a serious reminder to the United States.
Objectively speaking, there are substantial differences between China and the U.S., which are unlikely to be resolved in the short term. The fundamental reason lies in the fact that the U.S. still refuses to accept peaceful coexistence with us, believing instead that it holds an advantage and can exploit China for gains. While verbally advocating for building a constructive strategic stability relationship, the U.S. continues to erect barriers. It unilaterally expects China to open its markets and ensure stable rare earth supplies, while simultaneously imposing restrictions on high-end Chinese technology products. Such behavior is absolutely unacceptable to us.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872190864686144/
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