Sincerity required for break-the-ice talks: China Daily editorial

Since assuming office, the US administration has implemented a series of unjustified unilateral tariff measures. These actions have not only strained China-US economic relations but also disrupted the world economic order. In response, China has taken decisive countermeasures to protect its legitimate rights and interests and uphold the global trade system.

It is against that backdrop, with the administration signaling through various channels its willingness to engage in dialogue with China to discuss tariff adjustments, that Vice-Premier He Lifeng is set to meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, marking a crucial opportunity for ice-breaking dialogue between the two sides, while visiting Switzerland as part of an eight-day trip to Europe.

Major equity index futures and stock markets around the world all surged at the announcement of the news, indicating the high expectations that are being pinned on the talks.

But expectations should be tempered. While China remains open to dialogue, any attempts at coercion or blackmail disguised as negotiations will be met with firm resistance. Upholding its principled position and advocating fairness and justice are nonnegotiable elements of China's approach to resolving the disputes with the United States.

The US side too has sought to keep things in perspective, dousing hopes of any quick fix materializing. "My sense is this will be about de-escalation," Bessent told Fox News after the announcement of the talks. "We've got to de-escalate before we can move forward."

China's approach remains steadfast and consistent. It will fight to the end if the US wants a fight, but it is always open to talks. But whether through confrontation or negotiation, China will be resolute in safeguarding its development interests while upholding principles of international fairness, justice, and economic order.

The decision to engage with the US is rooted in a careful evaluation of global expectations, Chinese interests, and the concerns expressed by US industry and consumers, a spokesperson for the Commerce Ministry said. But any dialogue must be conducted in the spirit of mutual respect, equal consultation, and mutual benefit.

Only by demonstrating it is engaging in talks with sincerity to reach a fair deal rather than dictate terms can the US side expect the meeting to pave the way to meaningful negotiations with China.

Listen to what they say but see what they do encapsulates China's stance on the talks and its call for the US side to make genuine actions to match its more placatory rhetoric. China is willing to work with all parties to uphold the world trade system. All economies should see clearly that appeasement will not bring peace and compromise will not win respect. Adhering to principled positions and upholding fairness and justice is the best way to safeguard one's own interests.

China seeks to foster a climate of cooperation and mutual benefit. The US should do the same.