Trade negotiators from the United States and China are expected to meet in mid-March, signalling that plans for a potential summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping remain on track despite recent tensions in the Middle East.

According to a Bloomberg report, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are likely to meet in Paris next week to discuss possible economic agreements linked to the proposed leaders’ meeting.

Key issues on the table

The discussions are expected to cover a range of commercial and strategic issues. These may include a potential Chinese purchase of Boeing aircraft, renewed commitments to buy US soybeans, and broader geopolitical concerns such as Taiwan.

The talks are seen as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise economic ties between the world’s two largest economies.

Talks continue despite tensions

The planned meeting comes even as global tensions have risen following US strikes on Iran. However, the continuation of trade discussions suggests both sides are seeking to keep economic engagement separate from geopolitical disputes.

Reuters could not independently verify the Bloomberg report, and officials from both governments have not commented on the planned meeting.

Signs of broader engagement

Earlier reports indicated that Washington and Beijing have also begun discussions on restarting reciprocal investment, pointing to a possible easing of economic tensions.

If confirmed, the Paris meeting would mark another step towards maintaining dialogue between the two countries despite ongoing strategic differences.

(with inputs from Reuters)