China Steps Up for Trade Talks—But the US Showdown Is Far from Over
By Laura Bicker | 5–7 min read Geneva/Beijing, May 12, 2025 — After years of intense standoff and rising tariffs, China has finally come to the negotiating table with the United States—but the trade war is far from resolved. For much of this economic conflict, China held its ground against the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff policies, projecting defiance with viral memes and sharp official rhetoric. Beijing insisted it would not yield to pressure, even as backdoor negotiations were underway. As trade officials from both nations met in Geneva over the weekend, state-controlled Chinese media maintained a tone of mockery, posting a cartoon of the US Treasury Secretary pushing an empty shopping cart. And yet, the meetings marked a shift. After two days of what were described as “robust” discussions, both sides signaled a cautious willingness to move forward—though major issues remain unresolved. A Fragile Consensus US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters, “The...