USA – China: Tariff Talks Continue in Geneva
For the second day in a row, the talks are being held in the strictest secrecy, with no information released to the media about the content of the discussions between China and the USA, whose relations have been strained by the trade war. It is likely that negotiations will continue on Monday, May 12
Negotiations on “de-escalation” between the United States and China continue behind closed doors in Geneva, Switzerland. The two countries’ delegations, led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, are holding consultations for the second day in a row (Sunday, May 11) under strict confidentiality. It is possible that the negotiation process, organized through Swiss mediation, will continue on Monday, May 12.
On the eve of the talks, the sides, embroiled in a trade war over customs duties, signaled they were eager to “de-escalate tensions.” The United States has so far refrained from commenting on the course of the consultations, while China’s state-run Xinhua news agency described “the meeting in Switzerland as an important step towards resolving the issue.”
The Global Times, a publication of the Chinese Communist Party, reiterated the demand for the elimination of unilateral duties “as a necessary proof of the sincerity of the negotiations.” However, US President Donald Trump has ruled out the possibility of a full repeal, although on the eve of the start of negotiations he allowed for “an 80% reduction in tariffs.” A scenario of temporary suspension of duties for 90 days during the negotiation period is also likely, especially since such a measure has already been applied to other countries affected by the US “new tariff policy.”
International media outlets recall that the current trade war between the USA and China was triggered by Donald Trump’s imposition of 145% duties on Chinese goods. Beijing imposed retaliatory tariffs of 125%.
From the Swiss perspective, reaching an agreement so far “seems very difficult,” while Chinese officials and media have adopted a stance that can be characterized as a willingness to “open the door” for the United States, provided the USA shows sincerity and abandons “bullying” behavior.
