world-economy

Trade Officials Lay Groundwork for Trump-Xi Summit This Week

Senior negotiators from the United States and China concluded preparatory talks in Seoul on Wednesday, setting the stage for a meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Beijing.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent led the American delegation alongside China's Vice Premier He Lifeng in discussions aimed at identifying potential areas of agreement between the world's two largest economies.

The summit comes as major investment flows shift in Asia. Chinese investment firm Boyu Capital is raising $3 billion for a new fund following its acquisition of a controlling stake in Starbucks' China operations, signaling continued appetite for cross-border deals.

Analysts view the summit as an opportunity to establish frameworks for future commercial cooperation. The talks also carry implications for regional geopolitics, as U.S. policymakers work to maintain strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region.