Tariffs, China: "Bessent-He Meeting Requested by the U.S."

Milan, May 7 (LaPresse) – A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, stated that the meeting to be held this week in Switzerland between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. representatives was organized at the request of the United States, according to the Global Times. On Tuesday evening, China and the U.S. announced plans for talks in Geneva later this week involving U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Vice Premier He Lifeng. "The U.S. side has recently expressed a desire to initiate negotiations with China," the spokesperson said, emphasizing that China’s firm opposition to the arbitrary imposition of tariffs by the U.S. remains unchanged. "We have stated on many occasions that China is open to dialogue, but any talks must be based on equality, mutual respect, and reciprocity. Any form of pressure or coercion will not work with China," Lin affirmed.