US set to extend TikTok deadline during Madrid talks with Chinese officials

Trade talks mark the fourth time in four months that the delegations have met in European cities

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent. Mr Bessent and US trade representative Jamieson Greer have met Chinese vice premier He Lifeng and China's top trade negotiator, Li Chenggang. Picture: Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP

US and Chinese officials began talks in Madrid on Sunday on their strained trade ties, a looming divestiture deadline for Chinese short video app TikTok, and Washington's demands that its allies place tariffs on China over its purchases of Russian oil.

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent and trade representative Jamieson Greer arrived shortly before Chinese vice premier He Lifeng and China's top trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, at the baroque Palacio de Santa Cruz which houses Spain's foreign ministry.