Beijing, May 7 — China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng is set to meet with U.S. Treasury officials in Switzerland from May 9 to 12 to discuss economic and trade issues between the two nations.
The announcement came after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the visit, highlighting a potential breakthrough in the ongoing trade tensions. The discussions aim to address the unilateral tariff measures imposed by the U.S., which China considers illegal and detrimental to global economic recovery.
“China’s stance has always been consistent,” a spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce stated. “We are open to negotiations based on mutual respect, equal consultation, and mutual benefit. We remain determined to safeguard our development interests and uphold international fairness and justice.”
The Ministry emphasized that recent signals from U.S. senior officials indicate a willingness to adjust tariff measures and engage in dialogue. In response, China has evaluated these messages and agreed to engage, considering global expectations and the interests of both nations.
However, China cautioned that any attempt to use negotiations as a means for coercion or blackmail would be unacceptable. “If the U.S. wishes to resolve issues through negotiation, it must acknowledge the negative impacts of its actions and demonstrate sincerity,” the spokesperson added.
China reiterated its commitment to expanding opening-up, supporting the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and sharing development opportunities globally. “We are willing to work with all parties to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, resist unilateral protectionism, and promote inclusive economic globalization,” the statement concluded.
The upcoming talks signal a possible easing of trade tensions that have affected global markets and economies, offering hope for renewed collaboration between the world’s two largest economies.
