CVN( Japan ) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he will visit Japan for talks with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Finance Minister Katayama Satsuki on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming US-China summit in Beijing.
Bessent made the announcement on social media on Sunday. He wrote that he will also meet other government and private sector representatives to discuss the US-Japan economic relationship.
He described economic security as national security.
The series of talks will likely cover a wide range of topics.
The two sides are expected to talk about responses to the Iran situation and stronger bilateral cooperation on critical minerals, including rare earths, in light of China’s dominant market share.
They are also likely to exchange views on developments in foreign exchange markets amid the yen’s continued weakness against the dollar.
Bessent said he will then head for South Korea on Wednesday to hold discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who oversees China’s economic policy.
The Chinese side also said the vice premier and other officials will travel to South Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday for economic and trade consultations with US representatives.
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China for two days from Thursday and meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Bessent plans to join the summit.
About the Author
