Beijing’s outreach to Washington over fentanyl created an opening for trade talks between the two nations, according to people in both capitals who are familiar with the matter, paving the way for a bilateral meeting in Switzerland this weekend.

Chinese officials have long used their willingness to cooperate to stem the flow of fentanyl to the United States as leverage in talks over broader disputes.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet Chinese officials, but expectations for a breakthrough in their trade war are low.