Trump Hails “Very Good” Ties with China After Geneva Breakthrough in Trade Talks
In a significant thawing of tensions, US President Donald Trump described the relationship with China as “very, very good” following successful trade discussions in Geneva. The two countries reached a crucial agreement to suspend previously announced reciprocal tariffs for an initial period of 90 days—an outcome Trump dubbed a “total reset” in bilateral relations.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the talks were friendly and constructive, indicating that he may speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week. “We are not looking to hurt China. China has been hurt very badly—they were closing factories, experiencing unrest. They were happy to do something with us,” Trump stated.
Under the new arrangement, China will implement a 10% tariff on American goods, while the US will maintain a 30% tariff on Chinese products during this interim period. Despite these tariffs, both nations emphasized the importance of a long-term, stable, and mutually beneficial trade relationship.
The joint statement released after the talks highlighted the commitment of both sides to ongoing dialogue, with the aim of resolving economic concerns. A mechanism will be set up for continued discussions, alternating between China, the United States, or a mutually agreed third country.
Vice Premier He Lifeng will represent China, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will lead discussions for the US.
The pause in tariffs—effective from April 9—is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to reset trade terms with multiple countries. Trump, now in his second term, has reaffirmed his commitment to tariff reciprocity, vowing to match tariffs imposed on the US by other nations, including India.
For China specifically, Trump had earlier hinted at possible tariffs as high as 245%, while Chinese tariffs on US goods had reached up to 125% before the agreement. The new 90-day window offers hope for de-escalation and a potential pathway toward lasting economic cooperation.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
