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A high-stakes meeting is set to take place in Switzerland this weekend between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. According to Chinese officials, the talks were requested by the Trump administration, not initiated by China as some have suggested.
China has firmly stated it will only participate in the discussions under principles of equality, respect, and mutual benefit. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made it clear on X (formerly Twitter) that China opposes U.S. tariff hikes and will resist any attempts at pressure or coercion.
“Pressuring China will not work,” Lin said, emphasizing that Beijing will defend its national interests and support international fairness and justice. His remarks appear to set the tone ahead of what could be tense negotiations between the two economic superpowers.
President Donald Trump pushed back against China’s narrative, questioning their version of events. “They said we initiated? I think they should review their records,” he said at the White House, clearly taking issue with China’s claim that the U.S. sought out the meeting.
When asked about expectations for the talks, Trump remained vague. “We’ll see,” he replied, adding that the U.S. is no longer losing money in trade and that the current situation is an improvement compared to past years.
Despite China’s claim of assessing the U.S. offer rather than seeking talks itself, both countries have now confirmed their representatives will meet. The negotiations will begin Saturday in Geneva, and both Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will attend.
However, Peter Navarro—one of Trump’s most hardline advisers on China—is notably absent from the delegation. His absence could influence the tone of the discussions and indicates a possible shift in strategy from Washington.
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