China’s Vice-Premier He, US Treasury’s Bessent spar over tariffs, ‘economic imbalances’

China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng held a video call with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday, expressing “serious concerns” regarding the recent imposition of tariffs and other restrictive measures on Chinese goods by US President Donald Trump.

Citing Beijing’s economic policies and efforts to control the flow of narcotics, Bessent used similar language to characterise the discussion.

“Both sides recognised the importance of China-US economic and trade relations and agreed to continue to maintain communication on issues of mutual concern,” a readout from the Chinese government’s State Council said.

It added that He voiced “serious concerns about the recent restrictive measures such as the imposition of tariffs by the United States on China”.

Earlier this month, Trump imposed 10 per cent additional tariffs on all Chinese imports, citing the “extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl” and Beijing’s failure in “stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country”.

Beijing retaliated with levies on American coal and gas, among other goods, ranging between 10 and 15 per cent. Trump has also announced reciprocal tariffs on all US trading partners by April 1. China is the US’ third-largest trading partner.