Top trade envoys for US and China speak for first time since Trump’s return to White House

The top US and Chinese trade envoys held their first video call on Wednesday since US President Donald Trump’s second term began in January, as tensions between the world’s two largest economies continue to rise over escalating tariffs.

Described by the US as an “introductory meeting”, the call saw both Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer raise “serious concerns” about the other nation’s trade policies.

China’s State Council characterised the exchange as “candid” and “in-depth”.

The statement said that He, Beijing’s lead official for China-US economic and trade affairs, “expressed serious concerns about the US imposition of tariffs on China on the grounds of fentanyl, the relevant 301 investigation, and the proposed introduction of ‘reciprocal’ tariffs”.

“The two sides believe that maintaining a stable Sino-US economic and trade relationship is in the interests of both countries and agree to continue to maintain communication on issues of mutual concerns,” the statement added.

Greer’s office confirmed that both sides agreed on “the importance of maintaining communication going forward”.

His office also said that Greer expressed to He “serious concerns” about China’s “unfair and anticompetitive trade policies and practices”.