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High‑level U.S.–China trade talks are happening today (June 9, 2025) in London, hosted by the UK (which is not a direct participant) . Here’s what’s at stake and what decisions could impact both nations:
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🔍 What’s on the agenda?
1. ✅ Tariff truce continuation
• Both countries previously agreed in Geneva (May 12) to pause multi-100% tariffs under a 90‑day truce, cutting them to ~10%  .
• The London talks aim to consolidate or extend that agreement, and possibly lower tariffs further .
2. 🧠 Export controls & semiconductors
• The U.S. is pressing China to ease restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, which are vital to industries like automotive and electronics .
• China, in turn, is demanding the U.S. lift export curbs on high‑end tech, especially semiconductors, jet engines, and advanced AI chips .
3. ⛓️ Rare earths resumption
• China has already started approving some rare earth export licenses as a goodwill gesture, responding to global supply chain pressure .
• The U.S. hopes for a formal commitment to keep these critical mineral shipments flowing smoothly .
4. 🎓 Chinese student visas
• A new tension point: the U.S. has proposed revoking visas for some Chinese students in critical fields, citing national security. Beijing sees this as destabilizing the trade truce .
• Dialogue may focus on whether both sides can de‑link educational and tech-related visa policies from trade negotiations.
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🎯 What decisions matter most for both sides?
Topic Possible Decision & Implication
Tariff truce Extend or deepen the tariff suspension—offering stability for global businesses and markets.
Rare earth exports Reaffirmed export flow of vital minerals—critical for U.S. manufacturing, chip & defense industries.
Export control relief U.S. eases tech restrictions (e.g., semiconductors), China reopens markets—mutual access to critical technologies.
Visa policy resolution U.S. reduces visa threats, China eases political pressure—reducing bilateral tension beyond trade.
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🇬🇧 Why is the UK hosting?
• It’s a diplomatic “bridge”, supporting global trade stability and boosting its own negotiating credentials with both superpowers     .
• The UK government also plans bilateral talks with China during He Lifeng’s visit (June 8–13) .
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Bottom line
If Washington and Beijing agree today on:
• Maintaining the tariff pause,
• Securing rare earth exports,
• Easing export-control friction, and
• Separating visa decisions from trade talks,
…it would represent a tangible step towards de‑escalating tensions and stabilizing global supply chains. However, sticking points remain strong, especially on high-tech access and geopolitical issues like Taiwan and national security.
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