U.S. and China Discuss AI, Tariffs, and Critical Minerals Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting

The Trump administration had tightened restrictions on U.S. investment in certain sectors in China.

Reuters reported on Friday that the U.S. government is preparing new regulations related to these investments.

The new rules may allow U.S. pharmaceutical companies to invest in promising Chinese drug developments and enter into licensing agreements.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday (September 19, 2026) that He Lifeng will also lead a delegation of Chinese companies to the U.S. for economic and trade consultations ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting.

The business delegation is seen as a reciprocal move following a U.S. CEO delegation that Trump took to Beijing in May.

This announcement comes as Trump expressed openness to the possibility of Chinese automakers establishing plants in the U.S.

However, the U.S. automotive industry group on Friday urged Trump to maintain the effective ban on sales of Chinese-made vehicles in the U.S. for national security reasons.