On Tuesday, July 29, the third round of trade negotiations between the United States and China entered its second day. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng arrived at the meeting site in Stockholm before 10:30 am.
After the first day of talks ended around 8 pm on Monday, neither side made any comments to the media on the spot.
It is speculated that this round of talks will seek to extend the 90-day tariff ceasefire, involving export controls related to fentanyl trafficking, US tariffs, as well as Beijing’s purchase of sanctioned oil from Russia and Iran.
According to Bloomberg, the direction of the negotiations between the US trade team and Beijing differs from those with other economies impacted by US tariffs, with the ultimate agreement deadline set for Friday, August 1.
Last week, Bessent stated that the US would use this week’s meeting to discuss extending the tariff suspension measures with China.
Previous reports in the media suggested that a breakthrough in the third round of talks could lay the groundwork for a US-China summit later this year. Chinese leaders invited US President Trump and First Lady Melania to visit China in June, but the specific date has yet to be confirmed.
Trump is currently visiting Scotland for both work and leisure. On Monday evening, he posted on the social media platform Truth Social, stating that he is not actively seeking a summit with Xi unless invited, he will consider visiting China.
He wrote, “Fake news reports that I am seeking a ‘summit’ with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This is not accurate, I haven’t sought anything!”
“I might go to China, but only if invited by President Xi, and the invitation has been postponed. Otherwise, I’m not interested!” Trump added.
Trump is facing increasing criticism in Washington from hawks on China, who believe the President has made too many concessions in order to achieve a breakthrough in trade negotiations with Xi.