Chinese, US trade negotiators call for expanding ‘pragmatic cooperation’ ahead of Trump visit

Senior Chinese and US economic officials and trade negotiators on Thursday called for deeper cooperation and better management of trade tensions, as both sides seek to stabilize ties ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to China in mid-May.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held a video call with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, China's state news agency Xinhua reported. The officials discussed ways to advance economic and trade relations between China and the US.

The talks were described as “candid, in-depth and constructive,” focusing on implementing key understandings reached by the two countries’ leaders during previous engagements, including their October 2025 meeting in Busan, South Korea.

Officials also discussed how to address mutual concerns and expand what they termed “pragmatic cooperation.”

Beijing raised concerns over recent US trade restrictions targeting Chinese industries, signaling ongoing friction despite efforts to maintain dialogue.

Both sides, however, agreed to continue utilizing the bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanism to build consensus and manage differences.