China: Ms. Janet Yellen, the Treasury Secretary of the United States, has arrived in Beijing for a four-day trip aimed at addressing escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The visit primarily focuses on trade issues and the high-tech chip industry, which have become major sources of contention.

This marks the second visit by a US cabinet official this year and is expected to shed light on the complex dynamics of interdependence and mistrust that characterize the relationship between these two global powers.

The visit occurs amidst ongoing hostilities from both sides, with the current primary concern being the conflict surrounding crucial chips used in advanced technology, including military equipment and artificial intelligence. Other areas of dispute include Taiwan, China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, and human rights concerns.

In Beijing, Ms. Yellen will discuss the need to “to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges,” the US treasury said.

Washington, together with its allies, controls the most advanced technology in the world. Lawmakers from both sides of the political divide are concerned that China might overtake America in terms of overall military power, and that it could do so by exploiting US advances.

Last October, driven by these concerns, the Biden administration imposed controls on the sale of semiconductors and chip-making equipment to China and is reportedly preparing to toughen restrictions in this area.

On Monday, China said it had placed new controls on exports of two metals used in chip manufacturing, gallium and germanium.

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