Trade negotiations between the United States and China have hit a temporary impasse, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who revealed the current status of discussions during a Thursday interview with Fox News.
Describing the talks as “a bit stalled,” Bessent suggested that a direct line of communication between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping might be necessary to break the deadlock and move the dialogue forward.
“I believe that we will be having more talks with them in the next few weeks,” Bessent said, hinting at behind-the-scenes diplomatic activity. He added that a call between the two leaders may take place “at some point,” signaling that while formal progress has slowed, efforts to revive the talks are ongoing.
This pause in momentum comes at a crucial time, as both economic giants grapple with internal pressures and global expectations. Washington is balancing inflationary concerns and supply chain resilience, while Beijing faces slowing growth and a fragile post-pandemic recovery. Trade policy remains one of the key friction points, especially in areas like technology, tariffs, and market access.
Bessent’s comments underscore the complexity of US-China relations, where formal channels may cool, but strategic interests keep dialogue alive in the background. A potential call between Biden and Xi could serve as a diplomatic reset and reestablish political will for further negotiation.
With global markets sensitive to signs of tension or cooperation between the two superpowers, even a symbolic move at the leadership level could help reassure investors and signal a commitment to continued engagement.
While US-China trade negotiations are currently stalled, future talks and the prospect of direct presidential communication could be pivotal in reinvigorating the high-stakes dialogue.
0 Comments