China and U.S. hold first high-level trade talks since tariff flare-up
發佈日期: 2025-05-10 19:30
TVB News
China and the United States began high-level economic talks in Geneva, Switzerland under the shadow of trade tariffs.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is meeting U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
China's Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong is reportedly attending the meeting as well.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he's confident that both sides will reach a fair deal.
The Chinese delegation, led by Vice Premier He Lifeng, met with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Economic Affairs Minister Guy Parmelin on Friday ahead of the weekend talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He is representing Beijing as its lead negotiator in the China-U.S. economic dialogue -- the first formal meeting between senior officials after more than three months of a retaliatory tariff war that has dragged on their economies.
The Wall Street Journal reports that China's Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong will attend the meeting, indicating fentanyl-related issues will be on the agenda.
Bessent has also arrived in Geneva and held bilateral talks with Parmelin. The Swiss official described the meeting as "a success."
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter also weighed in on the China-U.S. talks with a spiritual reference, alluding to the election of the first American pontiff -- Pope Leo XIV.
KARIN KELLER-SUTTER, Swiss President: "I said to Secretary Bessent that apparently the Holy Spirit was in Rome yesterday, and I hope that He will come to Geneva over the weekend."
At the White House, President Donald Trump says he respects China and President Xi Jinping, and has authorized Bessent to offer a minimum acceptable tariff rate on Chinese goods.
U.S. President DONALD TRUMP: "We have to make a great deal for America."
Reporter: "Have you given Bessent a number of how low you're willing to go?"
DONALD TRUMP: "Yeah, I have."
Reporter: "Share that number?"
DONALD TRUMP: "Well, I put out a number today: 80 percent. So we'll see how that all works."
Trump said he remains confident a fair deal will eventually be reached, but added he would not be disappointed if talks fail.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt later stressed that the U.S. will not unilaterally reduce tariffs on Chinese imports.
Chinese state media published an article noting that Beijing agreed to resume dialogue in response to global expectations, national interests and calls from U.S. businesses and consumers.
It reiterated China's position: If there is a fight, they will respond but the door for negotiations will always be open.
The piece underscored that China will continue to defend global fairness and the international trade order.
