U.S. and China Resume Trade Talks in London Amid Ongoing Tensions

In a bid to stabilize a delicate ceasefire in their ongoing trade war, senior delegations from the United States and China have convened in London for critical negotiations. The high-level meeting, set behind closed doors at an undisclosed location, comes at a pivotal moment for global markets that have been rattled by months of escalating tariffs and diplomatic friction.

Leading the Chinese delegation is Vice Premier He Lifeng, while the U.S. side is represented by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Their discussions follow a temporary breakthrough achieved during talks in Geneva last month, where both sides agreed to a 90-day suspension of most tariffs—many of which had exceeded 100%. That agreement, announced on May 12, offered a brief window of calm amid growing concerns that the trade conflict could trigger a global recession.

Despite that progress, tensions have flared again in recent weeks. Contentious issues such as the regulation of advanced semiconductors used in artificial intelligence, the control of rare earth minerals vital to high-tech industries, and visa policies for Chinese students in the U.S. have continued to sour relations. Both nations have traded sharp rhetoric, indicating just how fragile the current truce remains.

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Efforts to bring diplomacy back on track included a lengthy phone conversation last Thursday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The following day, Trump publicly confirmed that a new round of talks would take place in London, signaling renewed urgency to resolve the economic standoff.

The United Kingdom, while not a direct participant in the negotiations, is playing host. In a brief statement, the British government expressed support for the diplomatic effort, emphasizing its commitment to open markets and free trade: “We are a nation that champions free trade and have always been clear that a trade war is in nobody’s interests, so we welcome these talks.”

The outcome of the London meeting is likely to have far-reaching consequences. With both nations holding firm on key economic and strategic issues, the world will be watching closely to see whether this round of dialogue can move the two superpowers closer to a lasting resolution—or mark the beginning of renewed confrontation.