(AFP) – US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that he would meet his Chinese counterpart He Lifeng this weekend for talks including on Iran sanctions, days before both countries’ top leaders are due to convene.
Asked about efforts to prevent Tehran’s workarounds of US sanctions amid war with Iran in the Middle East, Bessent told lawmakers that Washington’s warnings have been heard. “We have sanctioned three banks. With China, we have had some very good private discussions, and I look forward to those continuing this weekend when I meet my Chinese counterpart Vice (Premier) He Lifeng,” Bessent told the House Financial Services Committee.
“I’m sure it will continue during President Xi’s state visit,” he added. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Washington on September 24 and meet with US President Donald Trump. Observers have expected that Bessent and He would meet in mid-September to set the stage for Trump and Xi’s gathering.
A source familiar with discussions earlier told AFP that talks on artificial intelligence were also likely to take place, although Bessent did not elaborate Tuesday on the agenda for his weekend meeting. The US Treasury Department did not immediately respond to queries on the matter.
Bessent earlier vowed “economic D-Day” on Iran, pledging to choke off Tehran economically. China is a top economic partner of Iran that buys much of its oil output and is also a key diplomatic backer.
© 2024 AFP
