US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent may forgo his attendance at the upcoming APEC finance ministers' meeting in Hong Kong, according to reports from the South China Morning Post. Sources indicate that the decision is driven by the need to focus on logistical and diplomatic preparations for President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to Shenzhen in November.

During the Shenzhen trip, President Trump is expected to hold further discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The primary objective of these high-level meetings is to negotiate a longer extension of the current bilateral trade truce between the United States and China. As part of the lead-up to the presidential visit, Bessent is anticipated to meet with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Shenzhen to lay the groundwork for the talks. The current trade truce is approaching its expiration date, making the upcoming diplomatic engagements a focal point for both administrations as they attempt to stabilize economic relations.