China and the United States will hold formal trade talks this week in the face of escalating trade tensions. The Chinese side reiterated its commitment to dialogue and cooperation, stressing that it will resolutely safeguard its legitimate interests.
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that He Lifeng, Chinese Vice Premier and chief official in charge of China-US economic and trade relations, will meet with US Treasury Secretary and chief US negotiator Scott Bessent during his visit to Switzerland from May 10-13. The talks are planned at the request of the United States. This is the first official public meeting between the two countries since the trade war began when the Trump administration imposed heavy tariffs on imports from China. The US side approached Beijing with signals that some adjustments in tariffs could be made, while calling for dialogue through various channels. China’s Ministry of Commerce said the talks were approved taking into account global prospects, China’s interests and pressure from the US business community. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the talks on Saturday and Sunday were intended to lay the groundwork for future negotiations. “These talks will be about de-escalation, not a big trade deal. First of all, we need to reduce tensions,” Bessent said. Experts said that while these talks are mostly symbolic, they signal that there is still room for dialogue and cooperation, which has the potential to bring stability to the global economy.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202505/08/WS681b8e41a310a04af22bdf8f.html
