China’s international trade representative and vice commerce minister, Li Chenggang, is expected in Washington this week for the first round of bilateral discussions since the United States and China extended their tariff truce earlier this month, according to U.S. officials and multiple media reports. The visit signals an attempt by both sides to restore a regular dialogue after months of sporadic contacts. A U.S. government spokesperson said Li’s trip was not requested by Washington and is not classified as a formal negotiating session, though deputy-level officials are preparing to meet him. The Wall Street Journal reported that Li may also confer with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Treasury officials and American business leaders. Talks are expected to cover increased Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans and Beijing’s push to roll back a 20% U.S. tariff on fentanyl-related chemicals, people familiar with the agenda said. The discussions come against the backdrop of the 90-day pause that left in place a 30% U.S. tariff on roughly $250 billion of Chinese goods and China’s 10% duties on U.S. exports. Li’s stop in Washington follows earlier rounds of negotiations this year in Geneva, London and Stockholm, and a brief visit to Canada on Monday. He is a close aide to Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who leads Beijing’s negotiating team and last visited the United States in 2023. The outcome of this week’s meetings could set the tone for whether the tariff moratorium becomes permanent or gives way to another escalation later in the year.