Trump Announces ‘Total Reset’ in US-China Trade Following Geneva Talks
President Trump characterized the talks in Geneva with China as a “total reset” in trade relations, emphasizing the need for de-escalation amid ongoing tariff tensions. Both sides are under pressure to negotiate terms, yet significant concessions are expected for progress. The situation remains fluid as details continue to unfold.
United States President Donald Trump announced a significant shift in US-China trade relations on Sunday, labeling the initial talks in Geneva as a “total reset.” The discussions involved high-ranking officials from both nations, signaling a potential thaw in the ongoing trade tensions that have intensified since Trump implemented aggressive tariffs last month.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump proclaimed the talks as “very good” and expressed optimism for increased access for American businesses in China. “We want to see, for the good of both China and the U.S., an opening up of China to American business,” he stated. This fresh dialogue comes amid a landscape of heightened tariffs, with many questioning the potential for further escalation or de-escalation following the discussions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in a discreet venue in Geneva, over the weekend. The negotiations represent the first formal encounter between the world’s two largest economies since last month’s imposition of significant tariffs—145 percent on Chinese imports. These tariffs have triggered a retaliatory wave from China, which has enacted severe levies on US goods.
Crucially, the negotiations are characterized by an emphasis on “de-escalation” rather than forging a comprehensive trade agreement. Trump indicated a willingness to reconsider tariffs, saying, “80% Tariff on China seems right!” This sentiment was echoed by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who highlighted Trump’s desire to resolve the trade dispute. However, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that any tariff reductions would depend on China’s concessions.
As the talks unfolded, Chinese officials reinforced their stance, demanding the United States lift tariffs before making any commitments. A statement from Xinhua underscored the futility of trade wars, asserting that “Trade wars and tariff battles yield no winners.” Meanwhile, Vice Premier He arrived at the talks with encouraging news of a rise in China’s exports, attributed to a strategic shift towards Southeast Asian markets in response to US tariffs.
In the backdrop of these discussions, just days earlier, Trump announced a trade agreement with Britain. This agreement represented the first concrete trade negotiation since the onset of tariffs. The details revealed both nations committed to reducing certain duties while maintaining critical levies on a range of products. While Leavitt reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to maintaining tariffs, Trump himself hinted at potential flexibility if the right conditions were met.
Moving forward, the outcomes of these Geneva talks remain uncertain. However, many analysts are watching closely to determine if they may lead to a new phase in US-China relations or if tensions will continue unresolved amid the complexities of international trade.
In conclusion, the initial talks between the United States and China in Geneva represent a significant moment for both nations as they grapple with deepening trade tensions. President Trump’s positive remarks, along with calls for de-escalation, signal a willingness to open dialogue. However, the success of these negotiations will heavily hinge on the concessions each side is willing to make, particularly on tariffs which remain a contentious issue. Overall, the outcome remains to be seen as global observers await clarity on potential trade relations going forward.
Original Source: www.bryantimes.com
