China says it opposes US reciprocal tariffs amid talks in Switzerland

ISTANBUL

China on Sunday said that it opposes US imposition of reciprocal tariffs, amid tariff talks in Switzerland between the two nations, the Chinese state media reported.

US employs tariffs as a “weapon to exert maximum pressure and seek self-interest, embodying typical unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying,” the Global Times quoted Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu as saying at a news conference.

“This approach sacrifices the legitimate interests of countries worldwide to serve US hegemonic interests,” he added.

The remarks came as the US and China held talks in Switzerland on Saturday and Sunday. The US side was led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while Vice Premier He Lifeng headed the Chinese team.

US President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that his team had a "very good meeting" on trade with Chinese officials in Switzerland, claiming a "total reset" in US-China relations had been achieved.

The talks came amid efforts to ease trade tensions after a sharp escalation earlier this year, when the US imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports. Beijing responded with retaliatory duties of up to 125% on certain American products.