Key facts
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to meet with China's top economic official, He Lifeng.
- The meeting is scheduled ahead of Xi Jinping's visit to the US.
- Bessent defended President Trump's economic policies.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to meet with China's top economic official, He Lifeng, in the lead-up to Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States. Bessent has also publicly defended the economic policies enacted during the Trump administration.
The meeting between Bessent and He Lifeng is seen as a significant diplomatic engagement ahead of Xi's arrival. Meanwhile, the US military is preparing to host Xi Jinping with a ceremonial welcome at the White House.