Geneva, Switzerland - Top officials from the United States and China will meet this week in Switzerland to kick off high-stakes negotiations aimed at defusing the intensifying trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Vice Premier He Lifeng will lead Beijing’s delegation at the four-day meeting, scheduled from May 9 to 12. Representing Washington will be US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, their offices announced.

This marks the first major engagement between the two superpowers since Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng attended President Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this year.

Tensions Boil as Tariffs Escalate

The renewed talks come amid a deepening tariff battle, with President Trump slapping import duties of up to 145% on Chinese goods in recent weeks. Beijing has responded with retaliatory tariffs of up to 125% on select American imports, sparking volatility across global markets and renewed fears of economic slowdown.

Though there’s optimism around the restart of formal discussions, trade experts warn that progress could be slow.

“This isn’t about a big deal just yet — this is about cooling things down,” said Mr. Bessent in an interview with Fox News. “We can’t make meaningful progress until we de-escalate first.”

China Strikes Firm but Diplomatic Tone

In a statement released Wednesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said it is willing to negotiate but stressed that the US must acknowledge the damage caused by its unilateral trade policies.

“If the United States wants a solution through dialogue, it must recognize the broad harm these tariffs have inflicted — not just on China, but on the global economy,” a ministry spokesperson said.

Chinese state media echoed a cautious but firm position, stating that the decision to enter talks followed internal consultations that considered global economic expectations, national interests, and pressure from American companies. However, the message was clear: if the trade conflict continues, China is prepared to “fight to the end.”

Cautious Outlook from Trade Experts

Analysts say expectations for a breakthrough should be kept in check. Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, said the talks are necessary but unlikely to deliver immediate results.

“You’ve got to start somewhere, and this is that first step,” Elms told WafricNews. “But don’t expect a grand announcement just yet.”

Professor Henry Gao, a trade law expert at Singapore Management University, added that this round of talks may mirror the drawn-out process seen during the 2018 trade standoff.

“I think we’re looking at months, maybe more than a year, of negotiations,” Gao said.

Markets React as Investors Await Fed Decision

Despite the uncertainty, financial markets in mainland China and Hong Kong saw a modest lift on Wednesday following news of the planned talks and fresh economic support measures from Chinese authorities.

In the US, stock futures also edged higher ahead of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate announcement, due later in the day. Futures contracts, often seen as indicators of market sentiment, suggest cautious optimism among investors.

As the world watches, Washington and Beijing return to the table — but the road to resolution promises to be long and complex.


By WafricNews Desk.