BEIJING, July 30 - China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng conducted a video conference on Thursday with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, during which He raised concerns about recent U.S. trade measures, Chinese state media reported.
According to the report, both sides described their discussions as "candid, in-depth, and constructive." They agreed to rely on the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism to strengthen communication, build mutual trust and expand cooperation.
The Chinese account noted that Beijing voiced "serious concerns" over recent U.S. trade and economic restrictions imposed on China. Those comments arrive against the backdrop of several recent U.S. policy moves. Last week, the United States announced new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners in response to alleged lax enforcement of forced labour bans; China was assigned the 12.5% tariff rate.
Separately, on Tuesday the U.S. administration unveiled bans that specifically target imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters, a step that prompted a warning from Beijing about potential retaliation.
Relations between the two countries had been comparatively steady after a trade truce late last year that halted their tariff war. Earlier this year, Beijing and Washington agreed to establish a Board of Trade to identify areas where they could reduce duties on goods valued at about $30 billion. China also said last week it was soliciting public comments on the planned tariff cuts.
The reported video call emphasized the use of existing bilateral consultation mechanisms as the preferred path for addressing trade frictions. The exchange underlines both sides' stated intent to keep channels open while also highlighting persistent points of contention over recent U.S. actions and targeted measures.
Context and immediate developments
The meeting linked high-level officials from both sides and occurred as new U.S. tariffs and import restrictions have been announced. In parallel, bilateral initiatives such as the Board of Trade and planned tariff-cut consultations continue to move forward, according to the Chinese report.
While both parties signalled a willingness to engage through formal mechanisms, Beijing's expression of "serious concerns" signals ongoing tensions tied to the recent wave of U.S. measures.