China18 October, 20252 min read
China and US Resume Trade Talks to Avert New Tariff War Amid Escalating Economic Hostilities
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
China and the US agreed to resume trade talks next week to prevent new tariffs. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held a candid video call.
9 outlets told this the same way.
China-US Trade Talks Resume
China and the United States have agreed to resume trade talks to avert a fresh tariff war. The agreement followed a high-level video call described by Chinese state media as “candid, in-depth and constructive.” Multiple outlets report that Beijing signaled it would hold a new round of talks as soon as possible.
“The US and China have agreed to hold a new round of trade negotiations next week, aiming to avoid another intense tariff conflict between the two largest global economies.”
Some sources specify that the discussions could take place as early as next week. The renewed dialogue is explicitly framed as an effort to prevent another intense cycle of tariffs and to de-escalate tensions after months of economic hostilities.
Trade Tensions and Talks
The backdrop to the talks is a rapid escalation of trade measures by both sides. BusinessToday Malaysia reports that Beijing imposed broad export controls on rare earth materials, triggering a sharp U.S. response including President Donald Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs.
Hindustan Times adds that Washington announced new export controls on critical software effective November 1, alongside plans for additional 100% tariffs. LBCI Lebanon frames the talks as a bid to avert a “damaging tit-for-tat,” underscoring the risk of another spiraling tariff battle.
Leaders' Meeting Schedule Uncertainty
There is ambiguity around the leaders’ meeting timetable and venue. BusinessToday Malaysia notes initial doubts about a Trump–Xi meeting at the upcoming APEC Summit before Trump later confirmed the meeting would proceed.
“Trump also indicated he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea in two weeks.”
Hindustan Times, however, reports Trump indicated he would meet Xi in South Korea in two weeks. The Straits Times connects the next phase of talks to a broader diplomatic calendar, saying the discussions coincide with the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur and noting four earlier rounds in Madrid, Stockholm, London, and Geneva.
Media Perspectives on Trade Truce
Some outlets frame the moment as a tentative truce after months of volatility. Others stress the fragility and market risks involved. The Straits Times says both sides have agreed to a truce and are preparing for further talks.
BusinessToday Malaysia warns the dispute has caused multiple rounds of retaliatory tariffs with only partial easing, leaving a fragile situation and market uncertainty. Arab News PK bundles the trade development with unrelated items—violent protests in Bogotá and Filipino American cultural recognition—signaling a broader, less specialized news agenda than single-focus reports. LBCI Lebanon keeps its framing tightly on preventing escalation and avoiding a damaging tariff spiral.
International Responses to Trade Issues
International alignment and expectations differ across various reports. BusinessToday Malaysia highlights Washington’s coordination with G7 partners to address China’s rare earth restrictions by sharing information and diversifying supply chains. The report also mentions European and German hopes along with an IMF call for a constructive approach.
“The renewed dialogue coincides with US efforts to coordinate with G7 partners to respond to China's rare earth restrictions by sharing information and diversifying supply chains to reduce dependence on China, which dominates the rare earth market.”
The Straits Times reports U.S. negotiator Scott Bessent’s optimism that leaders’ relationships can help restore positive trade relations. In contrast, LBCI Lebanon focuses narrowly on the immediate goal of avoiding escalation, leaving out broader alliance and financial stability issues discussed elsewhere.
