By The Global Economic Times | July 30, 2026
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng expressed serious concerns about recent U.S. economic and trade restrictions during a video call with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.
He, who serves as China’s lead official for economic and trade relations with the United States, discussed bilateral commercial ties and the implementation of agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders.
The participants held “candid, in-depth and constructive” discussions about maintaining stable trade relations, expanding practical cooperation and addressing each side’s concerns, Xinhua reported.
Beijing objects to new U.S. restrictions
China’s concerns follow a series of new measures introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The United States recently imposed tariffs of between 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, accusing them of failing to enforce restrictions on products associated with forced labor. Chinese imports were assigned a 12.5% rate.
The tariffs, imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, cover most U.S. imports but provide exemptions for several categories, including oil and gas, fertilizer and certain food products. Beijing has rejected the U.S. allegations and maintains that unilateral tariffs are harmful to both countries. Reuters
The Trump administration has also announced restrictions targeting imports of new Chinese humanoid robots and power inverters. China has warned that it may retaliate if Washington proceeds with those measures.
Both sides agree to continue dialogue
Despite the renewed tensions, Chinese and U.S. officials agreed to continue using the existing bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanism.
According to Xinhua, the mechanism will be used to strengthen communication, build mutual trust, reduce uncertainty and identify potential areas of cooperation.
The call indicates that neither government currently wants the latest restrictions to cause a broader breakdown in relations. However, the two sides remain divided over tariffs, industrial policy, forced-labor allegations, technology controls and national-security restrictions.
Trade truce faces a new test
U.S.–China trade relations had remained comparatively stable after the two countries reached a truce late last year to pause an escalating tariff conflict.
They subsequently agreed to establish a Board of Trade to examine possible tariff reductions covering approximately $30 billion in goods. China recently began seeking public feedback on the proposed reductions.
The latest U.S. measures could complicate that process. Businesses in both countries face renewed uncertainty over import costs, supply-chain planning and access to strategically important technologies.
For global markets, the central question is whether Washington and Beijing can keep their disagreements contained through negotiation—or whether tariffs and retaliatory restrictions will again become the dominant feature of the world’s most consequential trading relationship. Reuters
