BEIJING, Oct 18, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - China said Saturday it has agreed to conduct a new round of trade talks with the United States "as soon as possible", as leaders seek to avoid another damaging tit-for-tat tariff battle.

The announcement came following a video call between Beijing's chief negotiator, Vice Premier He Lifeng, and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which involved "candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges", state news agency Xinhua said.