US President Donald Trump has adopted a noticeably more conciliatory tone toward China ahead of forthcoming trade talks, hinting at substantial tariff reductions if a deal can be struck.
He clarified in Washington that while duties would not be eliminated entirely, they could fall significantly under an agreement.
Trump emphasized the importance of mutual goodwill, stating “We’re going to be very nice, and they’re going to be very nice, and we’ll see what happens.” His comments mark a departure from the hard line that has defined much of the bilateral dispute over the past year. Alongside the president, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has voiced concerns over the unsustainability of prolonged trade tensions and the urgency of reaching common ground.
In recent weeks the White House unveiled a contentious website suggesting that the coronavirus may have originated in a Chinese laboratory, provoking sharp criticism from Beijing. Trump has pledged to refrain from raising sensitive issues such as COVID-19 in direct talks with President Xi Jinping, mindful of the political sensitivities involved.
China has responded with a softer diplomatic stance, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun affirming that dialogue channels remain open and reiterating that trade conflicts produce no winners. Nevertheless Beijing insists that clear parameters be established before its top leaders meet directly with the US president.
Financial markets have welcomed the improved tone. Hong Kong stocks closed more than two percent higher and the yuan gained modest ground against the dollar, reflecting renewed optimism among investors. Yet the hefty duties of up to 145 percent on certain Chinese imports remain in place, though the administration has carved out exemptions for selected technology goods and consumer electronics.
Analysts note that Trump’s urgency in seeking a trade deal may stem from sharp market swings and persistently high Treasury yields. Alicia Garcia Herrero of Natixis remarked that the president appears under pressure from stock market declines and that China may have little incentive to make major concessions under such conditions.
President Xi has so far maintained a studied silence, with no direct communication since Trump resumed office. Meanwhile Beijing has intensified outreach to other nations, warning them against agreements with the United States that could undermine Chinese interests. During a recent meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Xi stressed the broader harm inflicted by escalating tariff disputes on the global economy.
This shift toward cooperation represents the latest chapter in a trade war that has reshaped global supply chains and tested diplomatic resilience. As both sides navigate sensitive political terrain, the coming talks will reveal whether goodwill alone can bridge the disputes that have defined US-China relations for more than a year.
