Beijing and Washington to Resume Trade Negotiations
WASHINGTON D.C. – October 18, 2025 – Following a recent phone call between high-ranking officials, Beijing and Washington have agreed to initiate new trade negotiations, signaling a potential de-escalation in ongoing economic tensions. The call included US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Chinese counterparts,according to the Chinese news agency.
The move comes amid escalating trade disputes sparked by former US President Donald Trump’s renewed push for tariffs on Chinese imports earlier this year, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing. While those duties reached levels exceeding 100% on some goods, Trump recently indicated a shift in viewpoint, telling fox News that such high tariffs are “not lasting, but that’s the number that was set… They forced me to do this.” He also suggested a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming Apec summit.
Concerns over China’s restrictions on rare earths – essential components in numerous industries from smartphones to guided missiles - have also fueled tensions. Previously, US official Mr. Bessent accused China of attempting to harm the global economy through these restrictions.
In response to the evolving situation, washington this week sought to coordinate a unified response with its allies.G7 finance ministers agreed on Friday to collaborate and share information regarding their interactions with Chinese officials.
“We have agreed, bilaterally with the United States and within the framework of the G7, to coordinate our approach and inform each other of our exchanges with our Chinese counterparts,“ stated european Commissioner for the Economy, Valdis Dombrovskis. German Minister of Finance, Lars Klingbeil, confirmed the G7’s “disagreement with the Chinese approach.“
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva expressed hope for a swift resolution, stating she hoped “that an agreement be quickly found to lower tensions” between the two economic powers.
while relations remain strained,the agreement to negotiate represents a step towards easing the trade war that has impacted both nations and the global economy.
