• US-China trade talks scheduled for June 9 in London.
• Key US officials include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
• Discussions focus on tariffs and rare earth mineral exports amid rising tensions.

US President Donald Trump announced that three key Cabinet officials will meet with Chinese representatives in London on June 9 to address the ongoing trade dispute between the two largest economies. This meeting follows Trump's recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, aiming for a resolution amid elevated tensions over tariffs and rare earth minerals, which remain points of contention for both nations, according to SCMP.

The US delegation will include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Trump stated, “The meeting should go very well,” emphasizing a positive outlook for the discussions. The arrangements come as both sides seek to alleviate pressures from tariffs and mineral export restrictions that have strained bilateral relations, reports Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The negotiations are expected to address the implementation of a 90-day suspension of tariffs agreed upon at talks in Geneva, as both nations have accused each other of failing to honor the stipulations of the agreement. Tensions have particularly escalated over critical mineral exports, with Trump alleging that China is not following through with necessary approvals, which Beijing denies, according to Al Jazeera and India Times.

Following the recent discussions, Trump indicated that Xi had agreed to reinitiate the flow of rare earth minerals to the US, a move that might ease trade tensions. The symbolic and economic impact of these minerals is significant, as China dominates their market, thereby giving it leverage in negotiations, as noted by The Jakarta Post and The Jakarta Post.

As preparations for these high-stakes talks unfold, analysts warn that despite the hopeful tone, substantial barriers remain, emphasizing that tangible outcomes are uncertain. Experts like Yun Sun of the Stimson Center predict a challenging negotiation atmosphere, especially concerning unresolved issues of tariffs and technology controls outlined by various sources, including SCMP.