China warns US against ‘coercion’ as top officials prepare for trade talks
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says meeting with Vice-Premier He Lifeng will be about ‘de-escalation, not a big trade deal’
The Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday morning that He would visit Switzerland from May 9 to 12. An earlier US statement did not specify which Beijing officials would take part in the meetings.
“He will hold talks with Swiss leaders and relevant parties. During his visit to Switzerland, Vice-Premier He, as the Chinese lead person for China-US economic and trade affairs, will have a meeting with the US lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent,” it said.
In a separate statement, China’s Ministry of Commerce said Beijing had agreed to engage with the US in discussions “taking into full account global expectations, China’s interests, and the appeals of US industries and consumers”.
The announcements followed repeated hints from Washington that it was considering adjusting its tariff measures and actively relaying messages to Beijing through various channels.