Top trade officials from the United States and China have agreed on a framework to advance discussions on key economic issues following two days of high-level talks in London.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed optimism that concerns over rare earth minerals and magnets would eventually be resolved, although officials noted the framework still requires approval from both Washington and Beijing, as both sides aim to ease export restrictions and secure a longer-term truce in their ongoing tariff dispute.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described the talks as constructive and fast-moving,

Additionally, China’s Li Chenggang called the discussions professional, rational, and candid, expressing hope that the progress would help build mutual trust.

MEANWHILE,  China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, yesterday met with his counterparts from several African nations on Tuesday in Changsha, Hunan Province, during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, where he reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to ongoing projects and pledged continued support for Africa’s development and modernization, stating that the ministerial meeting would strengthen solidarity with the Global South.

 Addressing Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Wang emphasized China’s intention to protect the rights of developing countries and uphold international norms.