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US-China negotiations seek a quick Seoul search for deals ahead of Trump’s visit

The next round of US-China trade talks appears to be a rushed precursor intended to set the stage for President Donald Trump’s state visit to…

By Samantha Johnson / May 11, 2026
The next round of US-China trade talks appears to be a rushed precursor intended to set the stage for President Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing, according to analysts who expect only modest deliverables from the negotiations.

Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng will meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in South Korea this week, both sides have confirmed, marking the latest in a series of diplomatic sprints intended to stabilise the world’s most consequential economic relationship.

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The meeting appears aimed at “reaching some quick deals” for Trump and President Xi Jinping to sign in Beijing later this week, said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

“However, the rush will preclude the conclusion of a wide-ranging agreement,” he said. “I’d blame the United States for this hasty meeting. Its attention was diverted by Iran until very recently.”

Vice-Premier He is due to lead China’s delegation to South Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a Ministry of Commerce statement on Sunday. He’s trip looks to conclude as Trump arrives in Beijing for his first state visit to China since 2017.

On Sunday, Bessent said on social media that he would first meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Tuesday, before meeting He in Seoul on Wednesday.

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