China’s Vice Premier Set to Meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Amid Trade Talks

According to announcements posted on the websites of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce on May 7, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry stated that, at the invitation of the Swiss government, He Lifeng, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, will visit Switzerland from May 9 to 12. During his visit, Vice Premier He will hold talks with Swiss leaders and other relevant parties. As China’s lead representative in China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, He will also meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the lead representative on the U.S. side. From May 12 to 16, He will travel to France to co-chair the 10th China-France High-Level Economic and Financial Dialogue.

Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson Responds to Media Questions on High-Level China-U.S. Economic and Trade Talks

Q: On the morning of May 7, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Vice Premier He Lifeng would visit Switzerland from May 9 to 12 and meet with U.S. representatives during the visit. Could the Ministry of Commerce elaborate on the background and considerations for these talks?

A: Since the new U.S. administration took office, it has implemented a series of unlawful and unreasonable unilateral tariff measures. These actions have severely impacted China-U.S. economic and trade relations, disrupted the international economic and trade order, and posed significant challenges to global economic recovery and growth. In response, China has taken firm and effective countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

Recently, senior U.S. officials have repeatedly signaled a willingness to adjust these tariff measures and have actively reached out to China through various channels, expressing a desire to engage in discussions on tariffs and other issues. After a thorough assessment of these signals — taking into account global expectations, China’s national interests, and the appeals of American industry and consumers — China has decided to agree to engage with the U.S.

As China’s lead representative in China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, Vice Premier He Lifeng will hold talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Switzerland.

China’s position remains consistent. Whether it is confrontation or dialogue, our determination to safeguard our development interests will not waver, nor will our commitment to upholding international fairness, justice, and the rules-based economic order. If it’s confrontation, we are ready to see it through. If it’s dialogue, the door is open — but any talks must be based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.

As a Chinese saying goes, “Listen to what is said, but watch what is done.” If the U.S. truly wants to solve problems through dialogue, it must recognize the serious negative impact of unilateral tariffs on itself and the world, respect international trade rules, fairness, justice, and the rational voices from various sectors. It must show real sincerity, correct its wrongdoings, and move in the same direction as China to resolve concerns through equal consultation. If it says one thing and does another — or attempts to use talks as a smokescreen for coercion and blackmail — China will not accept it, and certainly won’t sacrifice its principles or international fairness and justice just to reach a deal.

China is also aware that other economies are engaging in talks with the U.S. It must be emphasized that appeasement does not bring peace, nor does compromise earn respect. The right way to safeguard one’s interests is to uphold principle and fairness. No matter how the international landscape evolves, China will remain unwavering in its commitment to opening-up, to defending the multilateral trading system centered on the WTO, and to sharing development opportunities with all countries.

China is willing to work with all parties to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen communication and coordination, jointly resist unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying in all forms, and to promote inclusive and universally beneficial economic globalization.

Editor: LQQ