As the United States and China held the third round of high-level trade negotiations, attention is focused on whether the first in-person summit between the two countries will take place as a result of this meeting.
On the 28th (local time), multiple foreign media reported that the United States and China held the first day of their third round of high-level trade negotiations in Stockholm, Sweden. The meeting lasted about 5 hours and included participants such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Vice Premier He Lifeng of the China State Council.
During this meeting, the two countries are expected to have prioritized discussions on whether to extend the deadline for the reduction of tariffs, which is approaching on the 11th of next month based on U.S. time. Reuters and the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that both countries aim to extend the so-called 'tariff ceasefire' for an additional three months.
Previously, the two countries secured a 90-day tariff ceasefire through the first Geneva negotiations, and in the second London negotiations, they achieved concessions on export controls concerning semiconductor technology (U.S.) and rare earths (China).
On that day, Gua Wanjun, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, noted during a regular briefing, "China's position on economic and trade issues has always been consistent," and expressed hope that "the U.S. would implement important agreements and promote them through dialogue and communication to advance healthy China-U.S. relations."
Prior to the meeting, USTR representative Greer mentioned in a CNBC interview, "We will continue to monitor and evaluate the agreements made so far," adding, "I don't expect a major breakthrough."
Some speculate that if the two countries extend the tariff ceasefire in a friendly atmosphere, it may gain momentum to hold the first summit.
The SCMP reported on the 26th that U.S. President Donald Trump may visit China before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit or hold separate talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit.
The newspaper also reported that shortly after the U.S.-China talks, a business delegation organized by the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) is scheduled to visit China this week.