China, US trade talks start in Kuala Lumpur ahead of possible Xi-Trump summit
Key trade negotiator Li Chenggang is among the officials in the Malaysian capital seeking to ease tensions on issues from tariffs to rare earths
The Chinese delegation of about 20 people arrived at the Merdeka 118 tower, the highest skyscraper in Malaysia, just before 11am on Saturday, and quietly walked past waiting reporters to a lift that would take them to the 96th floor of the glassy structure, which is still largely under construction.
Among those taking part in the talks is Chinese vice-minister of commerce and key trade negotiator Li Chenggang.
A representative of the Chinese embassy said before talks began that the Chinese delegation’s US counterparts were already at the site. The two sides are due to talk until at least early evening, with no scheduled end time and a possible resumption on Sunday.
The two sides are expected to discuss issues crucial to China-US economic and trade relations, China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed on Thursday.
The meeting in the Malaysian capital marks the fifth face-to-face meeting between He and Bessent since US President Donald Trump escalated his trade war in April.