Washington used a Thursday video call with Vice-Premier He Lifeng to demand that Beijing fulfil commitments on rare earths and US agricultural imports, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on social media, while Chinese state media reported that He expressed “serious concern” over recent US trade restrictions. The call, described by both sides as “candid, in-depth and constructive,” also included US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and was framed as preparation for an expected September summit between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping.

Bessent wrote on X that he had “emphasised that we expect Beijing to fully deliver on its rare earths and US agricultural product commitments.” He added that the two sides discussed implementing the Trade and Investment Councils as a mechanism to advance “a more balanced, fair and constructive” economic relationship. The US demands echo pledges secured during Trump’s May visit to Beijing, when, according to the White House, China agreed to address US concerns over critical mineral supply shortages and committed to purchasing at least $17 billion in American agricultural goods by 2028.

China’s official Xinhua news agency reported that He Lifeng voiced “serious concern” over the latest US economic and trade restrictions, citing Washington’s recent actions. Over the preceding week, the Trump administration had imposed tariffs of up to 12.5 per cent on Chinese goods—part of a wider package targeting 60 trading partners over alleged forced-labour concerns—and on Tuesday announced a ban on imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters, citing national security and supply-chain risks. Beijing swiftly warned of retaliatory steps, Xinhua noted, describing the new measures as an effort to “suppress” Chinese firms.

The exchange marks a fragile effort to stabilise relations after a year of escalating trade war ended with a truce last October. Both sides have since maintained dialogue, setting up a Trade Council to explore tariff reductions on some $30 billion in goods, though recent additional restrictions have tested that détente. A White House official confirmed that Xi’s visit to the United States is scheduled for 24 September, but the outcome of the call suggests significant gaps remain before leaders can showcase a concrete economic accord.