Is more than trade on the table after ‘great’ US-China talks in London?

Despite early optimism, experts caution about progress on fentanyl cooperation, military exchanges and a Trump-Xi summit

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Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng (right) shakes hands with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent before their meeting to discuss China-US trade in London last week. Photo: AP

Published: 8:01pm, 16 Jun 2025Updated: 8:50pm, 16 Jun 2025

While last week’s trade talks in London generated cautious optimism about de-escalating US-China tensions, observers have questioned whether this momentum can spur broader bilateral dialogue on challenging issues like military communications, security, climate and fentanyl cooperation.

Negotiators from Washington and Beijing agreed in London on a framework to implement the consensus reached in Geneva last month and the first official call earlier this month between the two state leaders since US President Donald Trump returned to office.

Both sides seemed upbeat about the outcome of the talks, which addressed rare earths, Chinese student visas and US exports of jet engine parts to China, with Trump calling it “a great deal”.

Shen Dingli, a professor of international affairs in Shanghai, said the London talks – alongside the Geneva negotiations and the Xi-Trump call – would help pave the way for discussions on other key bilateral and multilateral issues and the resumption of important dialogue mechanisms.

“Many communication mechanisms have been disrupted, and [the latest progress in London] offers an opportunity for their gradual restoration and reinstatement,” he said.

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