摘要："After a careful assessment of the US messages, China has decided to engage with the US side, taking into account global expectati

National flags of China (left) and the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

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After rounds of bitter tariff fights that have rattled financial markets, the US and China will hold their first high-level economic and trade meeting in Switzerland this week.

"After a careful assessment of the US messages, China has decided to engage with the US side, taking into account global expectations, national interests and calls from the American industry and consumers," Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson on Wednesday commented on the meeting led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The US government's unilateral tariff measures have tremendously disrupted Beijing-Washington economic relations and the global trade order, thus creating significant obstacles to the recovery of the world economy.

UN researchers warned earlier that the risk of a global economic recession surges as a result of trade uncertainties. Following Washington's flurry of announcements on tariffs, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued the largest downgrade in economic growth forecasts for the US among advanced economies this year, lowering the projection from 2.7 percent to 1.8 percent. The IMF has also lowered its global growth forecast for 2025 to 2.8 percent, down from its earlier estimate of 3.3 percent.

In this context, the forthcoming interaction between the globe's two largest economies is undoubtedly a positive indication, not only for nations currently enduring trade disputes but also for the global community advocating for economic stability.

US President Donald Trump shows an executive order on "reciprocal tariffs" at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

"We've got to de-escalate before we can move forward," Bessent said in an interview on Fox News about this week's meeting, admitting that the current tariff rates are "not sustainable." Earlier, US President Donald Trump softened his tone on tariffs, signaling his willingness to lower the rate at some point and engage in dialogue with Beijing through multiple channels.

Apparently, the US has felt the brunt of its unilateral tariff measures. Even if a broader trade deal is not realistic at the current stage, a Beijing-Washington high-level talk is necessary to lower tensions. "We all knew that the US and China would need to re-engage, but today's announcement of a face-to-face meeting in Geneva at such a senior level is greater than expected," said former US trade official Wendy Cutler.

History has repeatedly proved that cooperation, not confrontation, is the only solution in the era of global integration. Positive and constructive interactions between the world's two largest economies are essential for global economic recovery.

China's position on US tariffs has been consistent, while it will fight till the end if forced to fight, yet its door remains open for talks. China's countermeasures against US tariffs are to defend its legitimate rights and interests. The country has been resolute in defending the multilateral trading system and sharing development opportunities with the rest of the world.

China has been open to talks, but this does not mean it would sacrifice its principles or the cause of international fairness and justice. "Compromise does not earn respect and only by holding firm to principles and fairness and justice can countries safeguard their interests," the spokesperson said on Wednesday.

It is also worth noting that the US government has been widely known for talking one way but acting another – while showing enthusiasm in talks, it has repeatedly broken its promises after the "positive" engagements with China. Worse still, it has repeatedly demonstrated its unrivalled skills in using dialogue as a cover for coercion or blackmail.

Whether the Trump administration is sincere in talks after weeks of suffering from the tariff fights is unclear. China welcomes talks. If the US is sincere, it must respect international trade rules and ensure that the negotiations are based on mutual respect, equality and reciprocal benefit. This is the only way out if the Trump administration wants to save American businesses and people from the ongoing trade war and Make America Great Again.

来源：中国网一点号