Donald Trump Calls for a "Complete Overhaul" Following Lengthy US-China Tariff Negotiations

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held his first in-person meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, which lasted approximately eight hours.

The venue for the discussions in Switzerland’s diplomatic center was kept confidential and not disclosed to the public.

Washington, D.C.

US President Donald Trump Applauds Constructive Progress in Switzerland Talks with China

US President Donald Trump praised the recent round of trade discussions with Chinese officials held in Switzerland on Saturday, describing the negotiations as a "total reset" that occurred in a "friendly, but constructive, manner."

Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump remarked:

"A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things discussed, much agreed to."

He further emphasized:

"We want to see, for the good of both China and the US, an opening up of China to American business. GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!"

However, he did not provide any specific details regarding the areas of progress.

Earlier in the day, high-ranking US and Chinese officials concluded the first phase of their talks in Geneva, which aimed at easing tensions in a prolonged trade war that has cast a shadow over the global economy. According to a source close to the discussions, talks are set to continue on Sunday.

An Eight-Hour First Meeting

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng engaged in approximately eight hours of negotiations with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. This marked their first face-to-face interaction since both nations imposed tariffs exceeding 100% on each other's exports.

No formal statements were issued by either delegation at the conclusion of Saturday’s meetings, and no clear signals were given regarding any significant progress toward easing the steep tariffs. The discussions concluded around 8 p.m. local time (1800 GMT) at the residence of Switzerland's ambassador to the United Nations.

Rising Tensions and a Trade Freeze

This meeting came after weeks of rising trade tensions triggered by President Trump’s aggressive tariff measures announced in February. Beijing responded with its own retaliatory actions, bringing the nearly $600 billion annual US-China trade relationship to a near standstill.

The ongoing trade dispute, coupled with Trump’s decision to apply tariffs on imports from numerous other countries, has severely disrupted global supply chains, rattled financial markets, and sparked fears of a potential worldwide economic slowdown.

A Discreet Venue by the Lake

While the location of the Geneva talks was kept under wraps, eyewitnesses spotted both delegations returning from a lunch break to the gated villa of the Swiss UN ambassador—an elegant estate with a private park overlooking Lake Geneva in the tranquil Cologny suburb.

Before the meeting, US officials including Bessent and Greer were seen leaving their hotel with smiles, wearing red ties and American flag pins. Bessent declined to comment to the press. Meanwhile, the Chinese delegation was seen departing from their lakeside hotel in dark-tinted Mercedes vans, as marathon runners trained in the sun nearby.

Mutual Goals and Strategic Frictions

Washington’s primary objectives include narrowing its $295 billion trade deficit with China and urging Beijing to abandon its state-driven economic practices in favor of contributing more to global consumption. Achieving this would demand politically sensitive reforms within China.

China, however, has resisted such pressure, demanding clarity from the US on its expectations and asking for equal treatment in global affairs. Beijing insists that Washington ease tariffs and explicitly define what it wants China to purchase more of.

In a commentary released on Saturday, China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency criticized the United States for its "reckless abuse of tariffs," which it claimed has destabilized the global economic system. Nonetheless, the agency described the ongoing negotiations as "a positive and necessary step to resolve disagreements and avert further escalation."

Xinhua further stated:

"Whether the road ahead involves negotiation or confrontation, one thing is clear: China’s determination to safeguard its development interests is unshakable, and its stance on maintaining the global economic and trade order remains unwavering."

Cautious Optimism Amid Low Expectations

With mutual distrust running high, both sides are wary of appearing weak. Consequently, economic analysts remain pessimistic about any immediate breakthrough.

On Friday, President Trump floated the idea of implementing an 80% tariff on Chinese goods—his first mention of a specific alternative to the 145% levies currently in place. He also claimed that the talks were initiated by China, while Beijing countered that the US requested the discussions, maintaining its firm opposition to the US-imposed tariffs.

China may be eyeing the same 90-day tariff reprieve that the US has extended to other nations during negotiations. Any sign of reduced tariffs or plans for follow-up discussions would likely be welcomed by global investors.

Switzerland’s Role as Mediator

Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin met with both delegations on Friday in Geneva and expressed optimism simply about the fact that dialogue was taking place.

“If a road map can emerge and they decide to continue discussions, that will lower the tensions,” Parmelin told reporters, adding that the talks could extend into Sunday or even Monday.

The Swiss government helped facilitate the meeting following recent diplomatic visits to China and the United States.

Vice Premier He is also expected to meet with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, during his stay in Geneva. A WTO spokesperson confirmed the meeting and welcomed the US-China dialogue as a "positive and constructive step towards de-escalation," calling for ongoing engagement between the world’s two largest economies.

A Trade War With Broader Impacts

Since taking office in January, Trump has ramped up tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, citing unfair trade practices and accusing China of not doing enough to curb the export of precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production—a potent synthetic opioid.

China retaliated swiftly, imposing 125% tariffs on American goods and vowing not to yield to what it termed “imperialist” pressure and bullying tactics.