Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday lauded renewed trade talks with China, describing the diplomatic exchange as a “total reset” conducted in a “friendly, but constructive, manner.”
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the two sides had reached several understandings during the meeting held in Switzerland. “A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things discussed, much agreed to,” Trump wrote. He emphasized the goal of improving access for American companies to the Chinese market, declaring “GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!” without offering specific details.
The talks, which began Saturday in Geneva, mark the first in-person dialogue between senior U.S. and Chinese trade officials since the intensification of a tariff dispute that has strained the global economy. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for approximately eight hours at the residence of Switzerland’s ambassador to the United Nations.
While no formal announcements were made following the discussions, a source close to the negotiations confirmed the two parties plan to continue talks on Sunday. The meetings follow months of heightened tensions sparked by Trump’s aggressive tariff policy, which began in February and led to steep retaliatory measures by Beijing.
Currently, the U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, prompting China to respond with its own levies reaching 125%. The trade standoff has disrupted nearly $600 billion in annual bilateral trade, rattled financial markets, and raised concerns over a potential global economic slowdown.
Both delegations remained tight-lipped about the contents of the meeting. U.S. officials were seen arriving in red ties with flag pins, while Chinese representatives traveled discreetly in darkened vehicles. The exact location of the negotiations was kept under wraps, though witnesses spotted activity at the ambassador’s villa in Geneva’s Cologny district.
Washington aims to narrow its $295 billion trade deficit with Beijing and push China toward adopting market-oriented reforms. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have called for an end to what they view as American protectionism and for more equitable treatment in international trade relations.
Chinese state media offered a cautious endorsement of the meeting. In a commentary, Xinhua News Agency criticized what it called Washington’s “reckless abuse of tariffs” but acknowledged the negotiations as a “positive and necessary step” toward easing tensions.
While expectations for a breakthrough remain low among economic analysts, Trump on Friday floated a potential compromise—an 80% tariff rate—as an alternative to the existing 145% levies, signaling a possible shift in strategy.
Disagreement over who initiated the talks also persists. Trump suggested that Beijing sought the meeting, while Chinese officials claimed Washington requested it.
China is reportedly interested in securing the same kind of temporary tariff relief that the U.S. has granted to other nations during ongoing negotiations. Any progress toward easing tariffs or extending discussions would likely be welcomed by global markets.
Switzerland played a behind-the-scenes role in arranging the meeting, with Economy Minister Guy Parmelin expressing optimism. “If a road map can emerge and they decide to continue discussions, that will lower the tensions,” he said Friday.
Chinese Vice Premier He is also expected to meet with World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during his visit. The WTO chief praised the renewed dialogue, urging both sides to continue their efforts to de-escalate the trade conflict.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has intensified pressure on China, citing concerns over trade imbalances and the country’s role in the export of chemicals used to produce fentanyl—a synthetic opioid fueling a deadly crisis in the U.S.
Despite the hardened rhetoric on both sides, the Geneva talks may signal the beginning of a tentative thaw in U.S.-China economic relations.
