US Treasury Secretary says he had “frank” conversation with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent used his profile on X on Friday (October 17, 2025) to have a conversation “franca” with the Vice Premier of China, He Lifeng, regarding the tariff war between the 2 countries.
Bessent also stated that he and Lifeng will meet in person next week to resume discussions. He did not give a date for the meeting. The announcement came hours after Donald Trump (Republican Party) will meet with the president of China, Xi Jinping, in South Korea.
On Monday (Oct 13), Bessent declared that tariffs against China “no need to happen”. He also stated that the relationship between the 2 countries is good and that he was confident that the situation could be alleviated.
Trump on October 10th a 100% tariff on Chinese products. It stated that the measure, which comes into force from November 1, was a response to China’s move to increase control over the export of items related to rare earths.
China has withdrawn the tariff and said it will retaliate.
