U.S. and China Resume Dialogue Following Geneva Meeting, Indicating Progress in Trade Negotiations

The United States and China held a high-level call on Thursday, marking their first formal engagement since earlier talks in Geneva and signaling that communication channels remain active as both sides explore a broader trade arrangement.

According to coordinated statements from both governments, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau exchanged views on several pressing issues. While the specific agenda was not disclosed, the conversation was described as constructive, with both parties emphasizing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication.

Although no major breakthroughs were announced, the call was widely interpreted as a step forward. Analysts noted that it reflects the growing clarity on diplomatic counterparts and confirms that the channel established during the Geneva discussions is functioning as intended.

Earlier this month, Washington and Beijing issued a joint statement to temporarily ease tariffs on each other’s goods for 90 days—a rare show of cooperation. This was the first such joint statement since November 2023, when both sides agreed to coordinate on climate action.

The Thursday call marked only the second high-level diplomatic exchange between the countries during the current U.S. administration. It follows a January call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Some observers see the renewed communication as preparation for future discussions on broader concerns, including curbing the flow of fentanyl and increasing bilateral market access. Earlier this week, Ma Zhaoxu met with the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to China, signaling Beijing’s interest in strengthening diplomatic coordination.

In separate meetings, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng stated that recent negotiations on economic and trade matters had achieved “substantial progress,” reinforcing Beijing’s stated intention to open more avenues for foreign businesses to operate in China.

At the same time, Chinese exporters continue exploring alternative markets amid the uncertainty of the U.S. trade relationship, while many American companies accelerate efforts to relocate supply chains outside China.

Tensions remain, however. This week, U.S. authorities warned against using Chinese-manufactured AI chips, particularly those from major tech firms, prompting pushback from Beijing. China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the move as “unilateral bullying” and pledged to safeguard its commercial interests.

Analysts warn that strategic divergence in sectors like technology remains unavoidable despite recent efforts to de-escalate. Some expect the U.S. to continue deploying targeted trade restrictions, while China could respond with export controls on key resources such as rare earth elements.

While dialogue is ongoing, the trajectory of U.S.-China trade relations remains complex, with cautious optimism tempered by persistent structural tensions.