Madrid talks show negotiations remain the best way forward: Editorial flash

That the latest round of trade talks between China and the United States in Madrid, originally scheduled to last until Wednesday, concluded earlier on Monday could mean one of two things: either the two sides found common ground more quickly than expected, or negotiations proved so difficult that further progress was impossible. Judging from the language used in both delegations' press briefings where the words "progress", "stable" and "healthy" appeared repeatedly, the former interpretation appears more convincing.

The negotiations touched on sensitive areas such as TikTok, tariffs and export controls, some of which might require domestic review and approval before any binding commitments can be announced. In this context, cautious statements from both delegations are not signs of weakness but of prudence, helping to create the conditions for sustainable progress.

Whatever the details for the framework agreements such as the one on TikTok, the Madrid talks continue the most important legacy of earlier rounds in Geneva, London, and Stockholm: a shared willingness to resolve differences through dialogue. Each meeting yielded tangible results. The Geneva talks in May prompted Washington to suspend for 90 days its 24 percent tariff hike on Chinese goods, along with additional surcharges imposed in April, and Beijing responded with reciprocal measures. The London talks in June eased certain bilateral restrictions, while the Stockholm meeting in July extended the suspension of additional tariffs for another 90 days.

Step by step, these negotiations are chipping away at tensions, which matters not only for China and the US but for the world at large. Together, the two economies account for more than one-third of global GDP and around one-fifth of global trade. In an era marked by sluggish economic recovery and persistent geopolitical frictions, the fact that the world's two largest economies can sit down together and emerge with signs of progress is an irreplaceably positive signal for the international community.

From Geneva to Madrid, delegations have crossed the Eurasian continent and the Atlantic to engage in four rounds of intensive dialogue. As repeatedly emphasized, Beijing remains committed to strengthening communication and coordination. Expanding such channels further would serve not only to dismantle more barriers between the two countries, but also to inject fresh momentum into global economic growth. For China, the United States, and the world, this is the message that matters most.