US, China to begin trade talks in Switzerland

Senior US and Chinese officials are set to meet in Switzerland this week to begin high-level trade talks aimed at easing the ongoing trade war intensified by President Donald Trump's recent tariffs on Chinese goods, which have reached up to 145%. China has retaliated with its own tariffs of up to 125% on US imports, leading to significant economic strain and a slowdown in bilateral trade. The US delegation, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, will engage with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, marking the first major engagement between the two nations since the escalation. Both sides have expressed cautious optimism but remain divided, with China insisting the US must scale back punitive tariffs before substantive negotiations can proceed. The talks come amid rising market concerns over the tariffs’ impact on prices and supply chains. The outcome is seen as critical for global economic stability.