US Treasury Secretary Bessent Engages in Diplomatic Talks in Japan and South Korea

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrived in Japan on May 11, 2026, for discussions on economic security and cooperation with Japanese leaders. His visit precedes a summit between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Bessent is set to meet Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Finance Minister Katayama Satsuki to address issues including the Iran situation and the rare earth metals sector, which is heavily influenced by China. Following his meetings in Japan, Bessent will travel to South Korea for talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, aiming to finalize agreements for the upcoming summit. The discussions are part of ongoing efforts to stabilize US-China relations amid economic tensions.

Key Points: • Bessent's visit to Japan focuses on economic security and cooperation on rare earth metals. • Meetings with Japanese leaders precede a significant summit between the US and China. • Bessent's discussions highlight the urgency of stabilizing US-China economic relations.