Senior US and Chinese officials ended the initial day of high-stakes trade negotiations in Geneva on Saturday as they sought to reduce rising tensions between the two largest economies of the world. The talks that took about eight hours saw the attendance of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Negotiations will resume on Sunday, according to a person familiar with the situation.
This was the first in-person exchange between the two nations’ best negotiators after the US and China levied over 100% tariffs on the other’s exports, essentially paralyzing around $600 billion of annual bilateral trade. The meeting was conducted quietly at Switzerland’s UN ambassador’s private villa set in Geneva’s affluent suburb Cologny.
Neither side issued statements or indicated any breakthrough after Saturday’s meeting. There has been escalating tension in recent weeks, after President Donald Trump’s broad tariff actions and China’s tit-for-tat moves. The wider impact has threatened global supply chains, shaken financial markets, and threatened a global economic slowdown.
Washington is compelling Beijing to limit the $295 billion trade shortfall and implement reforms that curtail its dependence on export-led expansion. Conversely, China insists on equitable treatment, the reversal of tariffs, and transparency of American expectations.
China’s state Xinhua News Agency condemned US tariff strategy but made a positive reception of the talks as a constructive move. It underlined Beijing’s strong commitment to defending its interests in development and its resolve to uphold the international order of trade.
As talks resume Sunday, the globe is looking closely for signals of easing in a conflict with very extensive ramifications.
