High-level China-US meeting on economic and trade affairs: A crucial step toward engagement, dialogue, and consensus-building

Editor's note: Ji Wenhua is a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies and School of Law, University of International Business and Economics. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

Since taking office in January 2025, the US Trump administration has rolled out a series of illegitimate and unjustified unilateral tariff measures, severely disrupting China-US economic and trade relations. On the morning of May 7, China announced that Vice Premier He Lifeng would visit Switzerland from May 9 to 12, during which he would hold trade meetings with US representatives. The news has drawn widespread attention from the international community.

First and foremost, China's agreement to meet with the US demonstrates both goodwill and the sense of responsibility expected of a major power. After the US repeatedly expressed its desire to engage in dialogue, China made this decision after carefully weighing global expectations, its own interests, and the appeals of US industries and consumers. It is not only a constructive response to the US request but also a responsible approach to ensuring global economic stability and the healthy development of China-US economic and trade relations. Senior officials in the US government should understand that China's decision was by no means made lightly. Rather, it has been made after thoughtful deliberation driven by the dedication to safeguarding the global economic and trade order and the shared interests of both countries.

Engagement and dialogue are often the first steps in narrowing differences and finding solutions. The importance of China-US economic and trade relations goes without saying. These ties impact not only the economic prosperity of both nations but also have far-reaching implications for global economic development, peace, and stability. For this reason, the meetings will undoubtedly be closely watched by the international community. However, we must take a sober view of the situation: It was the US that has initiated the trade war. The key to achieving meaningful progress hinges on whether the US government is prepared to move away from its unilateral and bullying practices and instead approach the issues in the bilateral economic and trade relations with a greater commitment to equality and cooperation.

Against this backdrop, China has made it clear that its position is consistent and resolute. Whether through negotiation or other means, China's determination to safeguard its development interests will not waver, nor will its commitment to defending international fairness and justice and upholding the global economic and trade order. More than a reaffirmation of China's own stance, it is also a pledge to the international community. It signals that China will adhere to its principles during the meetings and will not easily compromise under external pressure.

China's stance offers a valuable point of reference for other economies currently in negotiations with the US. When responding to US demands for negotiation, countries should remain steadfast in their positions and principles, resisting the US's attempt to use negotiations as a cover for coercion or intimidation. Only by defending fairness, justice, and multilateralism can we collectively uphold a stable and equitable global economic and trade order.

In addition, while this meeting is a good start, it does not mean the problems at hand will be resolved overnight. Many of the issues in China-US economic and trade relations stem from deep-rooted structural tensions and conflicting interests, which will require sustained and constructive dialogue to gradually resolve. As such, we should view the outcome of this round of trade meetings with composure. Regardless of the results, the meetings should be regarded as a crucial step in both sides' collaborative efforts to build consensus.

In sum, the high-level meetings on economic and trade affairs between China and the US is a development worth close attention. It is a vital attempt by both sides to seek solutions through engagement and dialogue, as well as a positive contribution to global economic stability and the healthy evolution of bilateral economic and trade relations. In the future, we hope the Trump administration will adjust its stance and, together with China, push forward the dialogue process in the spirit of openness and cooperation. Together, the two countries can help shape a more stable and prosperous world economy.