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Ahead of Trump-Xi meetings, US presses China on trade pledges
US officials have pressed China to carry out commitments in a trade agreement reached in Busan in October 2025, ahead of expected meetings between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Washington says progress depends on concrete action, particularly on Chinese purchases of US agricultural products and deliveries of rare earths and other critical minerals.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer raised the issue with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Friday, 6 November. China voiced concern about recent US trade restrictions, while He agreed to continue consultations. The agreement expires on 10 January and caps US tariffs on Chinese goods at about 20 per cent; China has pledged to buy 25 million tonnes of US soybeans over three years and increase purchases of other US farm goods by US$17 billion.
In short
- Washington wants China to fulfil its trade pledges.
- Rare earth supplies and farm purchases are central issues.
- The Busan agreement expires on 10 January.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The US can argue that trade agreements only build trust when both sides deliver on specific commitments. Following through on promised soybean and other farm purchases, as well as rare earth and mineral deliveries, would give US producers and businesses practical benefits and show that China is negotiating in good faith before the agreement expires.
The case against
China can argue that its commitments should be considered alongside US restrictions, which it views as undermining the agreement’s balance and limiting the benefits of trade. Pressing for implementation while maintaining those measures may make cooperation harder; continued consultations could help address both sides’ concerns and preserve space for a durable arrangement.