Treasury Chief Bessent Anticipates 'De-Escalation' in First U.S.-China Tariff Talks Ahead of Crucial Switzerland Meeting: ' Unsustainable Status Quo'

The initial significant gathering between American and Chinese officials since President Trump imposed substantial tariffs on China is set to occur in Switzerland over this upcoming weekend. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent anticipates that "de-escalation" will likely dominate their conversations.

"We have decided to discuss our discussion — therefore, for this coming weekend, specifically Saturday and Sunday, we will determine the topics we intend to cover," Bessent stated to Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham regarding the impending critical gathering.

My impression is that this will focus on de-escalation rather than securing a major trade agreement," the treasury secretary went on. "We must ease tensions before we can proceed.

Bessent will travel to Switzerland on Thursday to meet with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and follow up on discussions Washington and Geneva had on the sidelines of last month’s World Bank Group–International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings, the Treasury Department said in a press release.

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The Treasury Department noted that during his time in Switzerland, Bessent would also have a meeting with “the primary representative for economic matters from the People’s Republic of China."

Bessent will be joined at the China talks by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to the Associated Press.

Bessent stated during his appearance on "The Ingraham Angle" that there wasn't a initial communication. He explained, "There are numerous touchpoints established gradually over time," when questioned about which nation started the discussion.

Bessent firmly stated that the US and China haven't initiated any talks regarding reducing tariffs. He implied that the coincidence of their schedules made it possible for them to meet over the weekend.

"The world has been flocking to the US, with China being the absent element," Bessent stated.

"I planned to head to Switzerland for talks with the Swiss side. It turns out that the Chinese delegation is touring Europe as well, and they will also be present in Switzerland. Therefore, we will convene on Saturday and Sunday since our interests overlap," he went on to say.

“As I mentioned earlier, this is not sustainable, particularly concerning the Chinese aspect,” he stated regarding the situation. 145% tariffs Trump imposed earlier this year regarding the US-adversary, referring to the tax imposition as “akin to an embargo.”

“When questioned regarding Beijing’s earlier requirement that substantial tariffs should be suspended prior to initiating discussions, Bessent declined to reveal our strategy,” he stated.

"Everything is open for discussion," Bessent noted, adding that the decision on how to move forward with the negotiations rests entirely with Trump.

Under President Trump, strategic ambiguity will ensure that we secure the most favorable agreement possible.