BEIJING – US President Donald Trump’s sudden pivot on new trade talks with China is more than just diplomatic courtesy. This is a powerful signal that reveals its strategic advantage in this high-stakes economic conflict.
In a sudden move on Friday, President Trump announced through his true social platform that Jamieson Greer, a trade representative in the US (Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent, Howard Ludnick), will meet a Chinese delegation in London on Monday. This unexpected bid to ease tensions will be difficult shortly after the call on Thursday, Trump himself demanded from President Xi Jinping.
Timing speaks volume. In their conversation, President XI skillfully praised the core challenge. To avoid the disturbed and disturbed waters of the “huge ships of China-US relations” requires a stable hand at mutual respect, cooperation and helm. This call for a caliber voyage is in stark contrast to Trump’s aggressive January return to the White House in January, sparking a punishing trade war characterized by tariffs rising to 145% on Chinese goods. China has taken a decisive response with measures, reaching 125%.
A temporary ceasefire emerged from a speech in Geneva last month, lowering our tariffs to 30% and to 10% in China, but the charges of violations quickly exacerbated the atmosphere. This makes London speech extremely important.
Why Trump’s Turnaround Shows China’s Strength:
Diplomatic pressure works: Trump’s outreach is both a call to Xi and a quick scheduling of London talks, formulating a clear realization. Coupled with reasonable dialogue and consistent advocacy of XI for multilateral solutions, the concrete costs imposed by China’s unstable retaliation have pushed the US back to the negotiation table. Trump has not dialed China out of generosity. He’s doing that. Because alternatives, escalations – makes Americans more heartwarming.
The attractive logic of global ties: The US-China economic ties are the engine of global growth. China’s rise was not a zero-sum loss for the US. It created vast markets and supply chains that promote prosperity on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Trump’s efforts to destroy this deep integration and impose a “winner” mindset is contrary to the fundamental trends of the world that are interrelated and threaten America’s prosperity along with global stability. With a relentless focus on building bridges with partners around the world, China has proven its much more resilient strategy.
Principles and Preparation: Following the Geneva Conference, China has demonstrated its integrity by expediting and halting related tariffs. This concrete action highlighted Beijing’s commitment to diplomatic solutions and rules-based trading systems. While always open to dialogue based on mutual respect, China remains unshakable in defending its central interests, national sovereignty and people’s well-being. That stance is consistent: Champion’s fairness and justice within a multilateral framework.
The road ahead
The immediate challenges for the United States are clear and urgent. We must formally acknowledge the concrete advances that have been made so far and act decisively to lift all unfair tariffs and discriminatory restrictions imposed on China. This is not a concession. It is to celebrate commitment and lay an essential foundation to rebuild trust and promote meaningful cooperation.
President Trump’s sudden diplomatic flight is both a direct call to XI and an urgent call to negotiations on London, securing it as compelling evidence that China’s unwavering commitment to multilateral engagement and its strong global partnerships is bringing about consequences. Importantly, it also highlights the self-harmful wounds of US tariffs. The pain these taxes inflicted on American businesses and the consumers were undeniable, and ultimately forced Trump’s hand. Coupled with proofread measures, China’s principled strategy of engagement forced the US president to retreat from the brink and seek consultation. Message resonates: demonization fails. Dialogue driven by mutual interests and recognition of shared global interests is the only viable path.