US and China return to dialogue on trade conflict: they will meet in Switzerland

Talks scheduled over the weekend between delegations led by Scott Bessent and He Lifeng: Trump-imposed tariffs and Chinese retaliation on the table

The United States and China are preparing for a new diplomatic confrontation to try to ease tensions that have erupted over trade. The talks will be held in Switzerland over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, and represent the first formal meeting between the two economic powers since the tariff conflict escalated.

The delegations in the field.
Washington will be represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. For Beijing, Vice Premier He Lifeng, a key figure in the Chinese government’s economic policies, will be present.

The scenario: duties and counter-duties.
The meeting comes amid high tensions after President Donald Trump imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese imports. Beijing reacted with symmetrical measures, applying 125% tariffs on goods from the United States. An escalation that has alarmed industries and consumers in both countries, as well as generating concerns in global markets.

China’s conditions.
In the run-up to the summit, Beijing reiterated its position: ‘We will not sacrifice fairness and our principles in order to obtain an agreement,’ said the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, emphasising that the negotiations were also initiated under pressure from US industry and consumers. ‘Any form of pressure or coercion will be rejected,’ added Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian.

A fragile balance.
China accuses the US of damaging not only itself but the entire global economic system with its unilateral measures. Beijing has warned that it will not tolerate ambiguous or blackmailing attitudes: ‘If Washington talks one way and acts another, the talks will not be successful’.

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