US and China open trade and AI talks before Trump-Xi summit

US and Chinese officials began high-level talks in New York on Sunday, days before President Donald Trump is set to host President Xi Jinping at the White House, with trade, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals on the agenda. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are leading the discussions, joined by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The talks aim to prepare for the Trump-Xi summit and address the fragile trade truce expiring in November, including efforts to reduce barriers and increase Chinese purchases of US agricultural goods. Rare earth magnets and critical mineral supplies remain a key US concern, with officials saying Beijing's performance under the truce has been insufficient. AI safeguards are a new discussion area, while analysts do not expect a major breakthrough, viewing the immediate goal as maintaining stability.