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14h ago

U.S. and China Begin Face-to-Face Talks in Geneva to Ease Trade Tensions

Senior negotiators from both nations meet for the first time since April’s record tariffs, with expectations focused on de-escalation rather than a major agreement.

A China Shipping container is seen at the port of Oakland, as trade tensions escalate over U.S. tariffs with China, in Oakland, California, U.S., April 10, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
U.S. President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping hold a bilateral meeting during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng attends a meeting with global business leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Florence Lo
Chinese and U.S. flags flutter outside the building of an American company in Beijing, China April 8, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

Overview

  • The talks mark the first in-person meeting between senior U.S. and Chinese officials since the imposition of 145% U.S. tariffs and 125% Chinese retaliatory tariffs in early April.
  • U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer lead the American delegation, emphasizing a cautious approach to ease tensions rather than pursue a comprehensive trade deal.
  • China's Vice Premier He Lifeng heads the Chinese team, reiterating that coercion will not influence Beijing’s negotiating stance.
  • Both sides dispute who initiated the talks, reflecting ongoing mistrust as they attempt to address key issues such as market access and fentanyl precursor controls.
  • Analysts expect limited outcomes, with hopes centered on a pause in tariff escalations or an agreement to continue negotiations.