China US Reach Preliminary Consensus on Trade Issues Before Leader Talks

China and the United States have reached a preliminary consensus on several key trade issues following two days of negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, ahead of a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping. The discussions covered topics including export controls, the extension of a 90-day tariff truce set to expire in November, fentanyl-related tariffs, bilateral trade expansion, and US port fees. Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang and Vice Premier He Lifeng met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the ASEAN summit to de-escalate the ongoing trade war. While details of the agreement remain undisclosed, officials described the talks as constructive and emphasized enhanced communication going forward. President Trump recently announced a 100% tariff on Chinese goods and new export controls, but US officials indicated readiness to pursue a balanced trade deal to avoid further tariff escalation. The progress in trade negotiations marks a tentative step toward stabilizing the fluctuating US-China trade relationship, with both sides aiming to safeguard their interests while advancing dialogue.