China and the United States are set to hold their first high-level trade talks after a recent escalation in tariff tensions. The meeting, scheduled to take place in Switzerland from May 9 to 12, marks a significant step towards addressing the ongoing economic disputes between the world’s two largest economies.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who leads China’s economic and trade affairs with the U.S., will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to an announcement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.
“The United States has repeatedly expressed its desire to hold negotiations with China in recent days, and the upcoming meeting in Switzerland will take place at the request of the U.S. side,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
Neutral Ground for Dialogue
The choice of Switzerland as the meeting venue is notable. Sun Chenghao, an assistant researcher at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, believes it reflects China’s willingness to engage in equal dialogue in a neutral setting, free from excessive geopolitical pressure.
“Switzerland, renowned for its neutrality and as a hub for multilateral diplomacy, underscores China’s commitment to multilateralism and respect for international rules,” Sun told reporters.
A Response to Global Concerns
The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated that China decided to engage with the U.S. after considering global expectations, national interests, and calls from American industries and consumers.
“China’s agreement to these talks demonstrates Beijing’s recognition of the international community’s desire for stable China-U.S. relations and concerns over trade disputes,” Sun explained.
The International Monetary Fund recently downgraded its global growth forecast for 2025 to 2.8 percent, citing widespread U.S. tariffs announced on April 2. The announcement of the upcoming talks has already had a positive effect on financial markets, with U.S. equity index futures and Asian stock markets, including those of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, experiencing gains.
China’s Strong Position
Addressing claims that China cannot withstand additional tariffs, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized the resilience of China’s economy. “No external shocks can alter the fundamental strengths of China’s economy—its stability, multiple advantages, strong resilience, and vast potential,” Lin said. “Nor can they disrupt the steady momentum of China’s high-quality development.”
Sun highlighted China’s strategic advantages in the negotiations. “China has implemented well-calibrated countermeasures, including reciprocal tariffs on U.S. goods and export controls on critical materials like rare earths,” he noted. “These measures have exerted tangible pressure on U.S. industries.”
Additionally, China’s vast domestic market and strong purchasing power serve as leverage, and its extensive network of multilateral partnerships helps mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs.
A Message to Other Economies
Commenting on ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and other economies, the Commerce Ministry spokesperson said, “Appeasement will not bring peace, nor will compromise earn respect.”
Sun interpreted this as a message to other nations. “When negotiating with the U.S., you can’t count on securing temporary peace by sacrificing your own interests. We are also reminding them not to undermine China’s legitimate interests in their bilateral talks with the U.S.,” he said. “This also pressures the U.S. to return to fair negotiations within a multilateral framework.”
