US-China trade talks: Following requests from Beijing, President Trump has denied to lower tariffs despite of persistent requests. He gave monosyllabic reply “No” when questioned by reporters at the White House about Chinese exports. Now at a minimum 145%, Trump denied his interest in lowering them just to initiate trade-talks. The US President implied that Chinese were the ones to initiate and request talks. Contradicting the statement made by the other side, Trump said, “I think they ought to go back and study their files”.

The meeting with their Chinese counterparts is set to take place to discuss the de-escalation of the tariff wars. The Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, and Jamieson Greer, the United States trade representative aim to meet with Chinese officials on Saturday and Sunday in Geneva. Following the high-tariff standoff, both countries have hurting business however, a common ground is yet to be found.

US-China trade war

Chinese officials have claimed previously that they are unclear whether US and China will even strike a deal since they have little clarity regarding policy changes. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday that Vice Premier He Lifeng will participate in the upcoming talks in Geneva. The ministry stated that the decision to engage with the U.S. was made after carefully weighing global expectations, China’s priorities, and concerns from American industries and consumers.

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In a post on X, Bessent credited former President Donald Trump for drawing global attention to the U.S., noting that China had been the missing link. He confirmed that both sides will meet over the weekend to explore common interests. “The current tariff and trade barriers can’t continue, but we’re not seeking to decouple,” he wrote. “Our goal is fair trade.”

Beijing has stood firm in response to Trump’s imposition of minimum 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, countering with sweeping 125% duties of its own and curbing exports of vital raw materials essential to U.S. production of military drones, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Chinese authorities have consistently vowed to “fight to the end,” insisting that all U.S. tariffs must be lifted before any talks can commence.