U.S. Officials Meet with China Amid Trade Negotiations in Switzerland

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with top Chinese economic officials this week in Switzerland to discuss ongoing trade negotiations, their offices announced on Tuesday. This meeting marks a significant step in addressing trade tensions that have escalated in recent weeks under President Donald Trump.

In recent months, Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, increasing them to 145%, while reducing tariffs on other U.S. trading partners. In retaliation, China responded with its own steep tariffs on U.S. goods, affecting trade relations. The meetings in Geneva could pave the way toward resolving these disputes.

The U.S. officials plan to meet with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, in addition to Chinese representatives. Bessent is expected to engage with Vice Premier He Lifeng, who oversees China-U.S. trade affairs, underlining the significance of these discussions for both nations.

Bessent emphasized the importance of economic security, stating, “Economic security is national security, and President Trump is leading the way both at home and abroad for a stronger, more prosperous America.” He expressed hope for productive talks aimed at rebalancing international economic relations to better serve U.S. interests.

“While in Switzerland, I look forward to productive talks,” he added, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to negotiating favorable terms for the U.S. Greer echoed this sentiment, stating, “At President Trump’s direction, I am negotiating with countries to rebalance our trade relations, open new markets, and protect America’s economic and national security.”n

Trump also mentioned the desire for negotiations with China, saying, “They want to negotiate and they want to have a meeting, and we’ll be meeting with them at the right time,” during a session with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

As negotiations loom, Bessent articulated that the U.S. is currently negotiating with 17 trading partners, although China has yet to be part of those discussions. “China, we have not engaged in negotiations with as of yet,” he noted during a House appropriations subcommittee hearing.

The outcomes of these meetings in Switzerland could have significant implications for U.S.-China trade relations moving forward.