Meanwhile, China has charged the United States with undermining their own preliminary trade deal. In fact, tensions are flaring over new U.S. guidance aimed at suppressing Chinese technology companies, especially Huawei. The notice addressed concerns that some of these chips were allegedly created or manufactured in a way that violated U.S. export controls. Beijing has responded with fierce condemnation of this warning, denouncing it as “discriminatory” and “market distorting.”
The recent diplomatic rift erupted after the bilateral meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on May 10, 2025. The signature event hosted key figures from all over the country. Those in attendance included U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, China’s International Trade Representative and Vice-Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Our third meeting was to guide continued negotiations. The hope is to get to a detailed trade agreement after both sides have agreed to a 90-day delay on tariffs.
China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson expressed strong disapproval of the U.S. actions, stating that they undermine the spirit of cooperation established during the high-level talks. Nikki R. Tinsley, the United States should “immediately correct its bad practices and end all discriminatory practices targeting China.”
The Chinese government responded with indignation to the U.S. industry’s alarm bell that identified Huawei. They issued a demand that the Trump administration go back and “fix its blunders.” The latest shot came from the Ministry of Commerce, which delivered a particularly sharp warning. If the U.S. continues on its present course, serious consequences await both countries.
“If the U.S. insists on its own way and continues to substantially damage China’s interests, China will take resolute measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” – China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson
Unprecedented pressures are mounting, exacerbated by incendiary remarks coming from President Donald Trump. He warned that he would raise tariffs further on Chinese goods if no wider trade deal is reached. Until now, the two countries had committed to cutting tariffs significantly from 145% to 30% as part of their respective negotiating positions.
The ongoing disputes highlight the delicate balance both nations must maintain as they navigate complex trade issues, especially concerning technology and intellectual property rights. How these talks go will have global implications on the future of trade, for better or worse.
Leave a Reply