Trump Sets June 9 US-China Trade Talks in London, Appoints Delegation Leaders

US President Donald Trump officially announced on Friday that the American delegation for the upcoming US-China trade talks in London on June 9, 2025, will be led by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. This announcement came via a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform, highlighting the significance of the talks aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions between the two economic superpowers.

Trump’s statement emphasized optimism about the upcoming meeting, noting, “The meeting should go very well.” The delegation’s composition underscores the US administration’s commitment to a coordinated and comprehensive approach, blending fiscal, commercial, and diplomatic expertise to address the complex trade issues on the table.

Highlights:

• Official announcement of US-China trade talks scheduled for June 9 in London.

• Treasury Secretary Bessent, Commerce Secretary Lutnick, and Trade Representative Greer to lead the American delegation.

• High-level delegation reflects seriousness in resolving trade disputes.

Follow-Up to Positive Yet Nuanced Telephonic Conversation

This development follows a much-anticipated telephonic conversation between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, the first publicly disclosed call since Trump’s return to office in January 2025. Both leaders agreed to proceed with in-person negotiations to avert a full-scale trade war, particularly focused on tariffs and rare earth material supply chains critical to global industries.

Trump described the call as reaching a “very positive conclusion,” highlighting mutual respect and the extension of reciprocal invitations to visit each other’s countries. “President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated,” Trump noted, framing the call as a hopeful step toward easing tensions.

However, the tone from Beijing was more cautious, with Chinese state media stating that President Xi emphasized the need to “correct the course” of bilateral relations, signaling that while progress was made, substantive challenges remain. This nuanced reaction points to ongoing complexities amid decades-long geopolitical and economic rivalry.

Highlights:

• First publicly acknowledged call between Trump and Xi since January 2025.

• Both sides agreed to meet in person to discuss tariffs and trade issues.

• Beijing stresses the need to “correct the course” of US-China ties.

Escalation and De-escalation Amid Tariff Disputes

Relations between Washington and Beijing have been tense, particularly since April 2025, when the Trump administration implemented extensive worldwide tariffs, with China bearing the brunt of the levies. At the peak of the trade conflict, the US imposed tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods, with China responding with counter-tariffs up to 125% on American products.

This tit-for-tat escalation disrupted global supply chains, rattled financial markets, and heightened concerns of a protracted trade war that could dampen global economic growth. The recent diplomatic outreach, culminating in the June 9 talks, represents a critical attempt to stabilize this volatile situation and potentially lay groundwork for a more sustainable trade agreement.

Trump had openly criticized President Xi days prior to the call, describing him as “extremely hard to make a deal with,” highlighting the difficulties behind the scenes. Chinese state media noted that Trump requested the call, but the White House did not immediately confirm this detail.

Highlights:

• US-China trade tensions escalated with tariffs peaking at 145% and 125%, respectively.

• Recent diplomatic efforts seek to de-escalate and avoid prolonged trade conflict.

• Trump’s remarks underscore challenges in negotiating with Chinese leadership.

Broader Implications for Global Trade and Rare Earth Supplies

The trade negotiations are particularly significant given the role of tariffs and global rare earth materials—critical components in electronics, defense, and renewable energy technologies—at the heart of the dispute. Both countries have expressed concerns about safeguarding supply chains essential to their national security and economic competitiveness.

A prolonged trade war risks disrupting these vital supplies, increasing costs for manufacturers worldwide, and triggering broader economic fallout. The upcoming talks aim not only to ease tariff pressures but also to address the strategic dimension of rare earth material access, signaling the growing intersection of economic policy and national security considerations in US-China relations.

Highlights:

• Trade talks will address tariffs and rare earth supply chain security.

• Rare earths are essential to technology, defense, and clean energy sectors.

• Negotiations have wider global economic and geopolitical implications.

Invitations for Reciprocal State Visits Indicate Diplomatic Thaw

The phone call between Trump and Xi also included gestures toward strengthening diplomatic ties, with invitations extended for reciprocal state visits. Trump mentioned looking forward to visiting China alongside the First Lady, while Xi’s invitation signals a willingness to engage more directly at the highest levels.

These planned visits, if they materialize, could serve as platforms for further dialogue beyond trade, including climate change, cybersecurity, and regional security concerns. This diplomatic thaw reflects a strategic recognition by both sides that despite ongoing competition, managing their relationship constructively is essential for global stability.

Highlights:

• Reciprocal invitations for state visits between US and Chinese leadership.

• Potential for broader dialogue on multiple bilateral and global issues.

• Symbolic steps toward reducing diplomatic tensions.