US Treasury Secretary Bessent considers asking China to cut oil purchases from US adversaries ahead of US President Trump's visit to China, WSJ reports

• Bessent alongside former US officials, business executives and policy analysts are planning to firm up a framework for the April summit between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
• Bessent in private meetings with said officials, indicated that Washington is seeking expanded Chinese purchases of American soybeans and Boeing jets, as well as a relaxation of Beijing’s export controls on rare-earth elements.

This headline highlights a strategic move by the U.S. aimed at influencing China's energy purchasing decisions amidst upcoming high-level talks. By pressuring China to reduce oil imports from adversaries, it underscores the geopolitical tension surrounding energy security and trade, which could lead to market volatility in commodities such as oil and possibly affect bilateral trade negotiations.