U.S. officials told Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng that Washington expects Beijing to follow through on earlier commitments involving rare earths and agricultural products, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The issue was raised during talks as both sides continue to manage a sensitive trade relationship.
The discussion comes at a time when officials are also looking ahead to a possible meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping. That gives the latest exchange added importance, as trade compliance and market access remain central points in the broader U.S.-China agenda.
Rare earths have become a particular focus because they are important to major industrial and technology supply chains. U.S. officials also signaled that agricultural trade commitments matter, reflecting the long-running role of farm exports in negotiations between the two countries.
Recent Chinese trade restrictions were viewed as a concern by the U.S. side, adding pressure to the talks. Bessent's remarks suggest Washington is trying to secure clearer follow-through from Beijing before any higher-level engagement between the two presidents moves forward.
