U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has been at the center of escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing over the past few days as both nations navigate increasingly fraught trade negotiations. Greer recently criticized China's expansion of rare earth export controls, calling the move a power grab that caught American officials off guard. The rare earth controls, which China announced last week, have added fuel to an already tense situation as President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 100 percent tariff hike on Chinese imports.

Despite the heated rhetoric, working-level talks between the two countries took place on Monday in Washington, coinciding with the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that staff-level discussions are ongoing and emphasized that communication channels between the negotiating teams have reopened. However, Greer expressed frustration over the weekend, stating that when U.S. officials reached out to Beijing for a phone call following China's export controls expansion, Chinese authorities deferred the conversation.

China's Ministry of Commerce responded on Tuesday, acknowledging the working-level meeting while urging the United States to show sincerity in dialogue. The ministry warned that Washington cannot engage in talks while simultaneously threatening new restrictions, calling such an approach inappropriate. Beijing also criticized recent U.S. actions, including the addition of Chinese firms to American trade blacklists and new port fees targeting vessels with Chinese links.

The timing of these developments is particularly significant as President Trump prepares for a late October meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea. Bessent noted that the proposed tariff increases would not take effect until November 1, giving both sides time to negotiate before the scheduled summit. The two countries had previously agreed to a 90 day extension on tariff deadlines following negotiations in London, Stockholm and Madrid earlier this year.

Greer's comments reflect growing frustration within the administration over what American officials perceive as Chinese unwillingness to engage constructively. The rare earth export controls have become a particular sticking point, as these materials are critical for various industries including defense and technology manufacturing.

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