Sat May 10 10:56:03 UTC 2025: ## US and China Hold Talks Amidst Soaring Trade Tensions
**Geneva, Switzerland –** High-level trade talks between the United States and China commenced in Geneva on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in an attempt to de-escalate a rapidly escalating trade war. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson met with a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier He Lifeng. While both sides confirmed the talks, the exact location remained undisclosed.
The talks come after U.S. President Donald Trump recently raised tariffs on Chinese goods to a combined 145%, prompting retaliatory tariffs of 125% from China. These tariffs, effectively amounting to a trade boycott, impact over $660 billion in annual trade between the two economic giants. President Trump hinted at the possibility of lowering tariffs, suggesting an 80% levy in a social media post.
Experts remain skeptical about the prospects for a significant breakthrough. Sun Yun of the Stimson Center believes that even a small, simultaneous reduction in tariffs by both sides would signal positive progress, emphasizing the need for concrete action beyond mere words.
The current conflict stems from long-standing disputes, including allegations of unfair Chinese trade practices such as forced technology transfers, government subsidies, and intellectual property theft. While a “Phase One” agreement was reached in 2020, China did not fulfill its commitments, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump’s concerns also include America’s substantial trade deficit with China.
The talks also involve discussions concerning Switzerland, as President Trump recently suspended, then reduced, tariffs on Swiss goods but maintains the potential for further increases. The Swiss government expressed concern about the impact on its key industries and stated it is not currently planning retaliatory measures. The U.S. remains Switzerland’s second largest trading partner.
First Piper 