Geneva, Switzerland, will host a critical meeting this weekend between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, aimed at addressing the escalating tariff disputes between the two nations. The talks, scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 8, 2025, were initiated at the request of the Trump administration, according to Chinese officials, though President Donald Trump has disputed this claim.
On March 5, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian took to X to outline China’s stance ahead of the negotiations. He emphasized that China would approach the dialogue with a firm opposition to U.S. tariff hikes, insisting on discussions grounded in “equality, respect, and mutual benefit.” Lin warned, “Attempts to pressure or coerce China will fail,” adding that Beijing would staunchly defend its interests and advocate for global fairness. The statement reflects China’s intent to shape the narrative before the high-stakes meeting, which could influence the trajectory of the tariff war initiated by Trump.
Trump, however, challenged China’s account during a White House press interaction on Wednesday. “They said we initiated? I think they need to check their files,” he remarked, casting doubt on Beijing’s version of events. When pressed on his confidence in securing a deal, Trump remained noncommittal, saying, “We’ll see.” He highlighted the economic stakes, noting, “We were losing a trillion dollars a year to China—now we’re not losing anything.” The Trump administration has consistently argued that China’s reliance on U.S. markets for its exports gives Washington leverage, warning that Beijing risks economic instability without access to American consumers.
The U.S. has imposed a steep 145% blanket tariff on Chinese goods, a policy that has drawn sharp criticism from China. Beijing has denied claims that it proactively sought these talks, instead asserting that it was evaluating overtures from the Trump administration. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed He Lifeng, the country’s top official on U.S.-China economic matters, as its representative for the Geneva meeting. Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will join Bessent, though Trump’s hawkish trade advisor Peter Navarro, a vocal proponent of tariffs on China, will not attend.
The backdrop to these negotiations includes a March 4, 2025, press conference in Peking, where Lin Jian addressed journalists, condemning the U.S. tariffs as unjust. China’s frustration with the trade barriers has been a recurring theme, with Beijing positioning itself as a defender of international trade norms.
As the meeting approaches, the outcome remains uncertain. The White House did not respond to requests for comment on China’s statements, leaving observers to watch closely for signs of progress—or further escalation—in this ongoing trade conflict.
