The next round of US-China trade talks is likely set for next week, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng facing the task of negotiating down new escalatory measures between the world’s two largest economies.

Bessent said during a White House event that he will be speaking with He Friday evening, around 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. New York time. “He and I, and a delegation, will meet in Malaysia — probably a week from tomorrow, to prepare for the two presidents to meet,” the Treasury chief added.

Bessent’s comments came after President Donald Trump expressed optimism that talks with Chinese officials could yield an agreement to defuse the crisis that saw the US leader threaten to drastically hike tariffs. Taken together, the remarks signaled an effort by Washington to

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