President Trump described it as a comprehensive restart in a friendly but constructive atmosphere.
On the Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump wrote: The meeting with China today in Switzerland went very well. Many issues were discussed and many consensus were reached. We want to see China's openness to US businesses. There has been great progress!
This is the first day of talks between senior officials of the two countries in Geneva in an effort to ease tensions from the trade conflict that is threatening the global economy. Chinese Deputy Prime Minister He Lap Phong had his first direct meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, lasting about 8 hours at the Swiss Ambassador's mansion on Geneva Lake.
Although there were no official statements after the meeting, both sides agreed to continue negotiations on May 11.
The trade conflict between the world's two largest economies began to escalate in February 2025, when Mr. Trump increased the import tax on Chinese goods to 145%. China responded with a tax rate of 125%, and said it would not submit to the imposing acts.
While Washington wants to reduce the $295 billion trade deficit and open the door to the Chinese market, Beijing has asked the US to clarify the items it wants China to buy more of, and at the same time demand equal treatment in the international arena.
China's Xinhua news agency said that "the US reckless abuse of tariffs has disrupted global economic order," but acknowledged that the negotiations are "a positive and necessary step".
Although expectations of a breakthrough are quite low due to mutual suspicions, the decision of both sides to sit down was considered by analysts and Switzerland as an initial success. Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin said that if a roadmap can be drawn out and dialogue can be maintained, tensions can cool down. The meeting was mediated by Switzerland, following recent visits by the country's leaders to China and the US.
During his stay in Geneva, Mr. Ha Lap Phong also plans to meet with the General Director of the World Trade Organization. The spokesperson welcomed the meeting as "a positive step to relieve stress".
