PARIS (AP) — Beijing issued a stern warning Monday regarding President Donald Trump’s recent trade policy actions, expressing fears they could undermine bilateral economic relationships following diplomatic meetings in the French capital.
During the discussions, Li Chenggang, serving as China’s international trade representative, voiced Beijing’s deep concerns about new manufacturing investigations targeting foreign production that the Trump administration initiated following the Supreme Court’s rejection of previous tariff measures.
“We are concerned that the possible results of such investigations may interfere with or damage the hard-won and stable China-U.S. economic and trade relations,” Li stated to members of the press.
These diplomatic talks were designed to lay groundwork for Trump’s anticipated journey to China, scheduled for approximately two weeks from now, although the president has indicated the trip might face postponement. Li avoided discussing the visit’s timing and declined to field reporters’ questions.
The ongoing Iran conflict has surfaced as a potential obstacle precisely when Washington and Beijing were rebuilding their partnership after a destructive tariff battle that saw import duties climb into triple-digit territory. Both nations subsequently reached agreement on a twelve-month ceasefire.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, heading the American delegation in Paris, indicated that any postponement of Trump’s China visit would not stem from disputes over the Iran situation or initiatives to reestablish access through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for international maritime commerce.
Should Trump proceed with the China trip, it would mark his first presidential visit to the nation since his 2017 journey during his initial term. The visit would occur five months following his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea.
