China-US Trade Talks Begin in Malaysia Ahead of ASEAN Summit

Kuala Lumpur: China and the United States have officially begun a fresh round of trade talks in Malaysia on Saturday, ahead of a high-stakes ASEAN summit and a planned meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in South Korea next week.

The US Treasury confirmed the talks had started, while China’s state media also reported that both delegations had convened at Merdeka 118, one of the world’s tallest buildings. Vice Premier He Lifeng leads the Chinese delegation, which will hold discussions with top US officials through Monday.

The China-US trade talks come amid escalating tensions over tariffs and rare earth export controls. President Trump has warned of a potential 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods after Beijing imposed sweeping restrictions on the strategic rare earths industry. The talks are seen as a crucial step for both countries to prevent further escalation of the trade war and stabilize the global economy.

US officials emphasized that the trade talks aim to resolve outstanding disputes on tariffs, rare earth controls, and shipping fees imposed by both sides. Analysts say the outcome of the China-US trade talks in Malaysia could set the tone for the upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, potentially averting further economic disruption in the Asia-Pacific region.

The world’s two biggest economies have been locked in a tit-for-tat tariff conflict for months, and these latest China-US trade talks are critical to preventing additional damage to global markets. Both sides stressed the importance of dialogue, with the US delegation expressing hope for a “positive resolution” and China signaling willingness to negotiate.

The China-US trade talks in Malaysia are now being closely watched by businesses, investors, and governments worldwide, as the results could influence trade flows, global supply chains, and economic stability for months to come.