Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met on Saturday with the United States (U.S.) Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent in Geneva, which represents a cautious step toward easing the trade war that has disrupted global markets and burdened diplomatic relations.
The meeting comes after weeks of rising tensions, during which both countries imposed high tariffs on each other’s goods. Since January, U.S. President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145 percent, to which China responded with 125 percent tariffs.
Although the location of the meeting was not publicly disclosed, members of both delegations were seen entering the residence of the Swiss ambassador to the United Nations (UN).
On Friday, Trump hinted at a possible shift in position, saying that an 80 percent tariff on Chinese goods sounded reasonable, marking the first time he publicly mentioned an alternative to the current levels.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor for Economic Affairs Guy Parmelin met with both sides on Friday.
Swiss authorities also played a key role behind the scenes, and the government confirmed that during recent contacts in Washington and Beijing, Switzerland expressed its willingness to organize a meeting between the two sides.
It is not yet known when the talks will be concluded or whether they will continue on Sunday. Neither side has made a public statement so far.
Photo: Swissonfo
