Language : English 简体 繁體
October 02, 2026
Focus This Week
A community space to discuss the China-U.S. relationship and beyond.

Dear Focus Reader,

This week, the United States and China released reciprocal lists of roughly $30 billion in goods that could receive reduced tariff treatment under the U.S.-China Board of Trade, following Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's meeting in Washington last week. The lists cover U.S. exports including agricultural products, medical equipment, timber and coal, and Chinese exports including household goods, toys and other consumer products. Any tariff reductions will still need to be determined and implemented through each country's domestic processes.

The announcement advances the "30-for-30" framework established earlier this year. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the recommendations could provide "more favorable tariff treatment in the future." The two sides also released working procedures for the Board of Trade, which call for officials to meet at least quarterly and provide a mechanism for potentially expanding the arrangement to additional products.

Meanwhile, days after agreeing with Xi to establish an AI dialogue and a communication channel for AI-related incidents, Trump ruled out a joint U.S.-China venture to develop the technology, saying it could mean "giving a lot of secrets" to China.

Still, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng called for the two countries to cooperate on AI risks and "make full use of the China-U.S. AI Dialogue." Xie confirmed that the first dialogue was held in September and that another round is planned for November, following the two countries' agreement during Xi's visit last week to establish a communication channel for AI-related incidents.

Learn more on international relations by exploring our latest Focus content, including topics on the Xi-Trump Summit, geopolitics, and more.

Focus Insights
Quote of the Week
"The value of a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability based on respect, fairness, and reciprocity lies in the basis it provides for such adjustments. Respect means taking each other's development path and core concerns seriously and recognizing both countries' legitimate right to pursue their own development."
Sun Chenghao
Fellow, Center for International Security and Strategy of Tsinghua University; Munich Young Leader 2025

Read More

Discover More
A look into cultural stories from our affiliate platform, The China Current.

Himalayan Floods | Kyle Obermann

Watch Video
In this episode of China Current, host Kyle Obermann explores the growing risks of Himalayan floods as permafrost melts and sudden heavy rains become more frequent, asking how communities downstream can better protect themselves.
Community Connections
Join our digital community. Stay connected to China-US Focus by following us and sharing this newsletter on social media platforms.

Question of the Week:


In our Focus Insights section, David Shambaugh considers what comes next for the U.S.-China relationship following the recent Trump-Xi summits, including the challenge of rebuilding channels for sustained dialogue and cooperation.


We want to hear from you!


What diplomatic channels should the U.S. and China prioritize rebuilding to maintain regular communication between their governments?


Submit your thoughts to USeditor@chinausfocus.com for a chance to be featured in next week's Focus This Week.


Interested in submitting an op-ed to China-US Focus? Contact
useditor@chinausfocus.com for more info.
About Focus This Week

Prepared by China-US Focus editorial teams in Hong Kong and New York, this weekly newsletter offers you snap shots of latest trends and developments emerging from China and the U.S. every week. It is a community space to exchange thoughts and ideas about the China-U.S. relationship and beyond.

More
Back to Top