Beijing: China announced on Wednesday that it will hold high-level talks with the United States this coming Friday, aimed at easing tensions from the ongoing tariff trade war initiated by US President Donald Trump since April. According to a statement by China's Foreign Ministry, broadcasted on China Central Television (CCTV), Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit Switzerland from May 9 to 12, during which he will meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In a related statement, China's Ministry of Commerce said it had agreed to hold talks with Washington on tariffs following multiple US proposals.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Chinese News Agency, Xinhua, quoted the ministry as saying that the new US administration had started unilateral tariff measures that were unjustified and a violation of international laws, affecting bilateral trade ties, undermining the global economic order, and posing a direct threat to global recovery and growth.
The statement reaffirmed China's firm stance, emphasizing its determination to protect national development interests and the international economic and trade order. It also emphasized the country's willingness to engage in dialogue, stating, "our door remains open for negotiation; any dialogue and negotiation must be carried out on the premise of mutual respect, equal consultation, and mutual benefit." The ministry urged the US to seriously address the global and domestic consequences of its tariff policies, correct its missteps, and work with Beijing to resolve mutual concerns.
The ministry also warned Washington against making contradictory statements or using threats and coercion under the pretext of negotiations. China reaffirmed its readiness to work with the global community to resist unilateral protectionism and bullying, uphold free trade and multilateralism, and build inclusive economic globalization.