China's Vice Premier He Lifeng Heads to France for High-Level Economic Talks Amid US Tensions

 Beijing. In an effort to advance high-level dialogue on economic and trade issues between China and the United States, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is set to depart for France on Saturday. This meeting in Paris is viewed as crucial preparation ahead of a potential summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Beijing, He Lifeng will lead the Chinese delegation for economic and trade consultations with the US delegation in France from March 14 to 17. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated in an online release on Friday that the talks are being organized in accordance with agreements reached between China and the United States.

The spokesperson indicated that officials from both countries will discuss economic and trade matters of mutual interest during the talks. However, further details regarding the detailed agenda or the concrete substance of the discussions have not been publicly released.

Washington had previously confirmed the upcoming talks in Paris. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is preparing to lead the American delegation, and US Trade Representative Jamison Greer is also expected to participate in the team. Greer stated in a release on Thursday that the 'economic dialogue' between China and the US is moving forward.

This meeting in Paris is also being seen as preparatory work for a potential visit by US President Trump to China later this month. Washington anticipates that Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2, although Beijing has not formally confirmed these dates, adhering to its regular diplomatic protocol.

Relations between China and the US have been escalating in tension since Trump began his second term in January 2025. Disagreements have been emerging between the two nations concerning trade, industrial capacity, and market access.

In this context, US Trade Representative Greer announced on Wednesday the launch of a new trade investigation concerning additional industrial capacity, targeting major trading partners including China.

China's Ministry of Commerce strongly criticized the US action, calling it a 'clear example of unilateralism' and asserting that such practices seriously undermine the international economic and trade order.

In another statement released on Friday, China urged the US to 'correct its wrong practices.' Amid such tensions, the upcoming talks in Paris have heightened diplomatic interest regarding the future direction of economic relations between the two largest economies.