Progress in US-China Trade Talks; Zelensky Open to Meeting Putin

GENEVA, Switzerland — Top U.S. officials reported progress in trade talks with China over the weekend, indicating a potential deal to ease tensions from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that substantial progress was made, describing the talks as “productive” and highlighting an important consensus reached during negotiations.

The discussions were held in Geneva, where Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Chinese officials after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods last month. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng echoed the U.S. sentiment, confirming that an “important consensus” had been achieved.

Following the meetings, U.S. stock futures surged, reflecting optimism in the markets about a possible resolution. Bessent, who led the U.S. delegation, stated that both sides agreed to establish a new trade consultation mechanism for ongoing dialogue.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he is prepared to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a ceasefire. This would be their first meeting since the onset of Russia’s invasion. Zelensky suggested a full ceasefire starting tomorrow to facilitate diplomatic discussions, though he did not clarify if this would be a precondition for a meeting.

President Trump encouraged Ukraine to accept Putin’s invitation for peace talks in Turkey without the need for a ceasefire first, prompting concerns from European leaders who demand a cessation of hostilities before any dialogue can occur.

Additionally, in a separate development, the Trump administration plans to accept a luxury plane gifted from the Qatari royal family for use as Air Force One, a move that raises ethical questions. The aircraft is expected to undergo retrofitting before its deployment.

With ongoing discussions taking place both in trade and international relations, the implications for the U.S. economy and foreign policy remain significant. Details from the trade talks are expected to be released soon, hinting at a pivotal moment for U.S.-China relations.