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China's top trade official told his counterparts from the United States on Thursday Beijing had “serious concern” over Washington’s latest trade restrictions affecting it, according to state media. The call was between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent along with US trade representative Jamieson Greer on Thursday.

China has been at odds with the US over trade restrictions, with Beijing condemning fresh US tariffs imposed on China and 59 other countries last week over alleged forced labour concerns. Beijing warned Washington against waging a trade war.

The Chinese side expressed serious concern over recent US economic and trade restrictions against China, state news agency Xinhua reported. The negotiators discussed maintaining stable economic and trade ties… and properly addressing mutual concerns in the next phase.

And the tensions are not new. In May, US President Donald Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the United States in September. That visit is yet to be confirmed.

The Chinese side expressed serious concern over recent US economic and trade restrictions against China, state news agency Xinhua reported.

The Chinese government sees these actions as an attempt to suppress Chinese companies. And the stakes are high: any trade war could have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the two nations but other countries as well.

China and the US have been in a delicate dance since their 2022 truce when Presidents Trump and Xi met last October. But tensions have escalated in recent months.

The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been instrumental in shaping the US trade agenda, working closely with other government officials to craft policies that balance competing interests. It's his job to ensure that US trade policies serve American interests.

Key Facts

  • China expressed concern over the US trade restrictions.
  • The restrictions affect 59 countries worldwide.
  • The negotiators discussed maintaining stable economic and trade ties.
  • The US Treasury Secretary has been instrumental in shaping the US trade agenda.
  • US President Donald Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the United States in September.

China's top trade official told his counterparts from the United States on Thursday Beijing had “serious concern” over Washington’s latest trade restrictions affecting it, according to state media. China and the US spent much of last year embroiled in an escalating trade war but reached a truce when US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met last October.

### Context

The recent tensions follow months of rising tensions over US concerns about China's growing economic and military presence. China's economy has been a major driver of global growth, making it a vital trading partner for many countries. And any disruption to trade flows could have far-reaching consequences.