China on Thursday voiced “serious concern” over recent US economic restrictions during a video call between Vice-Premier He Lifeng, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
The exchange took place as both sides sought to finalise economic deliverables ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to the United States in September.
“The Chinese side expressed serious concern over the recent economic and trade restrictions imposed by the United States on China,” according to a readout by Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
The readout added that the two sides engaged in “candid, in-depth and constructive” exchanges, centred on implementing the “important consensus” reached at the Beijing meeting between US President Donald Trump and the Chinese leader.
The Treasury Department and the Office of the USTR did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
As both sides continue engagements to secure outcomes ahead of the leaders’ summit, they have simultaneously taken escalatory economic measures, including US tariffs, export controls and tit-for-tat restrictions targeting each other’s companies.